Cheap alternative to K&N

Most of us would normally put a drop in aftermarket air filter as the first modication. I was never a believer in this but considering the cost savings for changing a genuine air filter every 20,000km, I guess it should still be worthwhile. The K&N drop in isn't cheap but there are cheaper brands out there like this one I bought, W.E. brand selling at RM139.

This is how the filter looks like after 8 months or >10,000km:

 

 

You see anything wrong with the filter? Look harder. There are tiny see through holes on it. I quickly took it out and replace it with a cheap paper element. No drop of power at all.