20 Cheap FYP Ideas Under RM100 for Malaysian Students

Not every FYP needs a RM500 sensor kit to impress a panel. A lot of the most examiner-friendly projects use cheap, widely available components — the difference between a good FYP and a mediocre one isn't the price tag, it's how well you explain the system you built. These 20 ideas all come in under RM100 in hardware cost, based on prices we've seen students actually pay in 2026.

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1. Automatic Hand Sanitiser Dispenser With Visitor Counter — Arduino + IR sensor + pump. ~RM40. Simple build with room to add a display and data logging.

2. Smart Doorbell With SMS Notification — Push button + GSM module sends an SMS when pressed. ~RM60. No WiFi dependency, works anywhere with mobile signal.

3. Water Level Indicator With Buzzer Alert — Ultrasonic sensor + buzzer + LED. ~RM35. A stripped-down version of a full tank automation system, good for a one-semester Diploma FYP.

4. Automatic Room Light Controller — PIR motion sensor + relay + LED bulb. ~RM45. Classic energy-saving demo that's easy to explain in one sentence.

5. Digital Attendance Logger Using Push Buttons — Keypad + LCD + SD card module. ~RM70. No RFID cards needed — students key in a student ID instead.

6. DIY Alarm Clock With Temperature Display — RTC module + DHT11 + 7-segment display. ~RM50. Good starter project for students newer to electronics.

7. Smart Plant Watering Reminder (Non-Automated) — Soil moisture sensor + buzzer only (no pump). ~RM25. Cheapest version of a popular idea — reminds instead of auto-waters.

8. Ultrasonic Parking Distance Sensor — Ultrasonic sensor + LED bar + buzzer, mimicking a car's reverse parking sensor. ~RM40.

9. Basic Home Security Alarm With Door/Window Sensor — Magnetic reed switch + buzzer + LED. ~RM30. Extendable with a Telegram alert if budget allows a bit more.

10. Line-Following Robot (Basic) — Arduino Uno + IR sensor array + motor driver + chassis kit. ~RM80. A classic robotics FYP that still scores well when documented properly.

11. Digital Voting Machine (Standalone, Non-Networked) — Push buttons + LCD + EEPROM for vote storage. ~RM55. Good for demonstrating data persistence without needing internet connectivity.

12. Gas Leak Detector With Buzzer and LED Alert — MQ-2 gas sensor + buzzer + LED. ~RM30. Simplified version of a full smart safety system.

13. Smart Dustbin With Lid Auto-Open — Ultrasonic sensor + servo motor, opens the lid when a hand approaches. ~RM45.

14. Bluetooth-Controlled Robot Car — Arduino + HC-05 Bluetooth module + motor driver + chassis. ~RM75. Pairs well with a simple Android app built using MIT App Inventor.

15. Digital Thermometer With Fan Auto-Control — DHT11 + relay + small DC fan. ~RM40. Simple automation logic that's easy to defend under questioning.

16. RFID-Based Door Lock (Single User) — MFRC522 reader + solenoid lock + relay. ~RM90. A scoped-down version of a full multi-user attendance/access system.

17. Rain Detector With Automatic Alert Buzzer — Rain sensor module + buzzer + LED. ~RM25. Good for a "protect drying clothes/vehicles" problem statement.

18. Simple Obstacle-Avoiding Robot — Arduino + ultrasonic sensor + motor driver + chassis. ~RM85. A step up from line-following, showing basic decision logic.

19. Digital Visitor Counter for a Room — IR break-beam sensor pair + counter display. ~RM40. Useful for library or lab occupancy tracking demos.

20. Basic Weather Display Unit — DHT11 + LCD, no internet connectivity required. ~RM35. The cheapest entry point into environmental monitoring projects.

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How to Make a Cheap Project Still Score Well

A low-cost build doesn't have to mean a low mark. The things that actually move your grade:

• Document your design decisions. Explain why you picked a cheaper sensor over a pricier one — this shows deliberate engineering judgement, not just budget constraints.
• Add a software layer even on simple hardware. A basic data log to an SD card or a simple mobile app turns a RM30 build into a project with real technical depth.
• Test it properly and show the data. A cheap sensor that's been calibrated and tested over a week beats an expensive one that's only been switched on for the demo.
• Be upfront about limitations. Panels respect students who understand what their budget build can't do, rather than overselling it.

Need Help Building One of These?

Rectronx Circuits builds complete FYP projects at every budget level — component sourcing, coding, and full documentation included, so you get a working, submission-ready project regardless of your budget. WhatsApp us with your chosen idea and budget, and we'll give you an honest quote.

Looking for more inspiration? Browse 500+ FYP project titles by category and get a free quote.