It's been rumored for quite a while already.
I doubt anyone knows the exact date.

I believe in lower range bike frame, most are all about the same.
So, different brand, probably still produce by same company.
e.g. Giant.
But accessories... hmmm... to me, most of the items you will get with sub RM2k bike, are almost the same. Some will do gimmicks...
e.g. Merida TFS 500 Malaysian version which using XT RD... to show some bling on ur bike. But you know... this won't change much in term of your bike performance.

I paid RM2k+ for my Merida Matts 40. I got Hydraulic Tektro Auriga disc brake with 180mm front. But having Suntour XCT fork, no brand wheelset and chekai tires.
If compared to other brand bikes, at similar pricing, e.g. BH Spyro, you get Suntour XCM, alexrims, Quadro hubs and Tioga tires.  Disc brake? Shimano 575.

So... just be careful.

When want get.. look for performance parts. cranks 2010 deore or lower end Alivio... it actually doesn' really matter.