Comments
Malaysian netizen torn between staying in Kuala Lumpur or returning to their hometown for a simpler life
A Malaysian netizen’s confession about being torn between staying in Kuala Lumpur or returning to their hometown for a simpler life has gone viral online as his experiences resonate with others working in the capital city burdened with high rent and cost of living.
MALAYSIA — A Malaysian netizen’s confession about being torn between staying in Kuala Lumpur or returning to their hometown for a simpler life has gone viral online as his experiences resonate with fellow Malaysians working in the capital city burdened with high rent and cost of living.
The anonymous netizen wrote to a Twitter page “Emosi @ConfessTweetMY”— A Twitter page is open to individuals to share their feeling or pose questions to seek advice—to express worries about his future.
The user revealed that despite his years of hard work, he still can’t afford to buy a house and is still paying for his car loan.
“Hi, admin of Emosi, I have migrated to KL since graduating in 2014 until now. Next year marks 10 years of making a living in KL. I can’t afford to buy a house, my car is still on loan.”
He shared that his salary is neither big nor small, and have to face daily traffic jams. He wondered about the purpose of working in KL for so long.
“I think if I had a salary of RM2K and lived in the village, life would be easier. Should I just go back to the village and work a normal job? I’m in a dilemma, please help.”
Setelah hampir 10 tahun bekerja di KL, hati mula dirundung dilema.
Nak terus kerja di KL atau balik kampung kerja biasa-biasa? Apa pilihan anda? pic.twitter.com/kWv1Fs78er
— Emosi (@ConfessTweetMY) March 21, 2023
The post has since garnered attention from Twitters who shared their opinions and experiences. Some shared their personal experiences of moving to different places for work and the pros and cons of doing so.
Commenting on the post, a Twitter user wrote:
“I lived in KL after graduation from 2013 to 2015. The salary was small. Then, I moved to Johor for a higher salary, and then to Kemaman for an even higher salary. When the MCO(Malaysian movement control order) happened, I lost my job and moved back to KL because I had bought a house near Selangor while working in Johor. The salary is still the same, and opportunities are limited.”
“This was me three years ago. Obviously, my salary was only RM1.6K, and I thought I should earn more since living in the city is expensive with high rental and food costs. Then I decided to leave all of that, utilize my experience, and create my own freelance business. If you feel that working in the city is not worth it, try finding other opportunities. It’s not wrong to do so.”
“Hey, he’s just like me. I really want to go back to my hometown because I’m tired of living in KL, there’s nothing or no one keeping me here. But I have a high commitment with a lot of debts, hahaha. If I work in my hometown, my salary would be low. I pray that things will be made easier for him and that he can live a peaceful life in his hometown. ”
‘Close to family is a priceless luxury’
Others suggested that the user should return to their hometown and work a normal job, even if the salary is lower, as being close to family is a priceless luxury.
A user commented: “You should go back even if the salary is only RM2K per month because being close to family is a blessing that cannot be imagined. Even if it means not progressing as fast and having fewer facilities (at hometown), it is peaceful without the problem of traffic congestion.”
“Just go back and work at hometown. Haha, the important thing is to have a peaceful mind, happy heart, and a full stomach. Then, when you are back in the hometown, don’t bring the city lifestyle to the village. If possible, join the activities at the mosque or participate in communal work.”
Other Twitter users also offered their advice, with some suggesting that the netizen search for remote work online or find a job near Penang, which could offer a higher salary while still allowing him to stay close to his family.
One Twitter user wrote, “Consider looking for companies in Penang that offer executive positions with salaries that can reach RM2,000 or more. While traffic can be congested during peak hours when commuting to and from work, there is an option to travel between the two states using the KTM train.”
“Try looking for remote work for your position. If there are any available, you might be able to earn the same salary with a lower cost of living.”
Kuala Lumpur ranks as the third most overworked city globally
Kuala Lumpur is known for being a fast-paced city with a high cost of living, compared to other cities in Malaysia.
Renting an entire apartment or house in Kuala Lumpur can be expensive, with prices ranging from RM 1,000 to RM 6,000 per month, depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities.
According to Malaysia’s National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), the median home price in Malaysia in the third quarter of 2022 was RM330,000 (equivalent to S$98,299)
Last year, the Department of Statistics Malaysia released data showing that the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur had a median monthly salary of RM3,054 (approximately S$915.28) in 2021, or a mean salary of RM4,013.
The adjacent state of Selangor had a median salary of RM2,884 and a mean salary of RM3,543. Meanwhile, Putrajaya had the highest salaries and wages in Malaysia, with a median monthly value of RM3,837 and a mean salary of RM4,504.
According to a cost of living research published by ECA International last year, Kuala Lumpur is ranked as the 32nd most expensive location for expatriates in Asia and 167th globally.
Regarding work pressure, Kuala Lumpur can be stressful for local workers due to long working hours, high expectations, and a competitive job market.
In 2022, a study published by the access technology firm Kisi ranked Kuala Lumpur as the third most overworked city globally, after Dubai and Hong Kong, with Singapore trailing close behind.
Many people in Kuala Lumpur work long hours and have to deal with traffic congestion during their daily commute.
Comments
Dr Chee Soon Juan criticises Ho Ching’s vision for 8-10 million population
SDP chief Dr Chee Soon Juan criticised Ho Ching’s claim that Singapore could support a population of 8 to 10 million through effective city planning. In a video message, he expressed scepticism about the push for population growth, citing adverse effects like rising living costs and mental health issues. Dr Chee argued that smaller populations can thrive, referencing Scandinavian countries that excelled internationally and produced Nobel laureates.
Dr Chee Soon Juan, Secretary-General of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP), slammed Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s spouse, Ho Ching, for her assertion that Singapore could accommodate 8 to 10 million people with proper city planning and land reclamation.
In a video message published on 1 October, Dr Chee expressed strong scepticism regarding the narrative of increasing the population, highlighting that the current surge past the 6 million mark had been largely driven by the influx of foreigners, which led to several adverse consequences.
He further highlighted that smaller populations were not inherently negative, drawing examples from some Scandinavian countries that had flourished on the international stage despite their smaller populations and had even produced Nobel Prize laureates.
Ho Ching expressed confidence that with proper city planning, Singapore could accommodate up to 8-10 million people
Last Friday (27 September), in a Facebook post, Madam Ho, who was also the former CEO of Temasek Holdings, highlighted the growing demand for caregivers as the population aged and the need for workers to sustain sectors like construction and engineering, particularly as the workforce shrank due to lower birth rates.
“As we have less children, we need more people from elsewhere to join us to keep this city functioning, from repairing train tracks through the night to serving patients in hospitals through the night. ”
Dr Chee Highlights Risks of Population Growth
In response, Dr Chee recalled his experience of being reprimanded by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan during the last General Election for raising concerns about the implications of a rapidly growing population.
He questioned why Madam Ho, who shared similar views, had not faced the same scrutiny.
In his video, Dr Chee articulated several concerns regarding the proposed increase in population, highlighting the potential negative impacts, including increased demand for food, housing, and transportation, which would result in a significant rise in living costs.
With a larger population, Dr Chee pointed out that more flats, roads, hospitals, and public transportation would need to be constructed, which would ultimately require higher taxes and fees to maintain the necessary infrastructure.
The SDP leader emphasized that an influx of residents would intensify competition for jobs, exerting downward pressure on wages and potentially leading to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment.
Dr Chee further expressed concern over the environmental degradation that would accompany population growth, citing the recent clearing of forests for housing and industrial developments, including Tengah and Kranji Forests.
Dr Chee questioned the ability of existing infrastructure to cope with a growing population, referencing the persistent issues with the MRT system, including breakdowns and safety hazards.
He highlighted the toll that congestion and overpopulation take on the mental health of Singaporeans, noting a rise in reported mental health challenges.
“All this while the ministers live in secluded and luxurious bunglows and villas, far from the madding crowd which we are subjected to every single day.”
“So, when Ho Ching says that we can accommodate up to 10 million people, I’d like to ask her, where and what type of house she lives in?”
Dr Chee Argues for Innovative Economic Solutions Over Traditional Urban Expansion
Regarding the ruling government’s persistent push to increase Singapore’s population to what he considered “unhealthy levels,” Dr Chee suggested that the PAP lacked viable alternatives for fostering economic growth.
He implied that the government resorted to traditional methods of expansion, such as construction and urban development.
He highlighted that the government is fixated on physically expanding the city—“digging, pouring concrete, and erecting structures”—to sustain GDP growth.
This approach, he argued, creates an illusion that Singapore remains a productive economic hub, despite potential downsides.
Dr Chee Advocates for the Value of Smaller Populations: Cites Political Freedom as Key to Innovation and Success
Dr Chee further contended that a smaller population did not necessarily hinder a nation’s success.
He cited several Scandinavian countries and Taiwan, emphasising their global brands and innovations despite their relatively small populations.
Dr Chee connected the success of these nations to their political freedoms, arguing that the ability to think and express oneself freely fostered innovation and societal progress.
He contrasted this with Singapore, where he claimed that the government controlled media and stifled freedom of expression.
He criticised the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) for its centralised control and for limiting the potential of Singaporeans. Dr Chee used the metaphor of a “grotesque monkey” clinging to the nation, suggesting that the PAP hindered progress and growth.
Dr Chee emphasised that the quality of a population—its talent, energy, and potential—was far more important than its size.
He suggested that Singapore possessed the necessary attributes to succeed on a global scale but was held back by the current political landscape.
He urged Singaporeans to engage in critical thinking rather than passively accepting government narratives.
Dr Chee advocated for a more mature and sophisticated approach to governance and civic engagement, encouraging citizens to take an active role in shaping their society.
Comments
Netizens criticise PM Wong’s video, urge Govt to address root causes of cost-of-living crisis
Netizens have voiced concerns over PM Wong’s approach to addressing the cost-of-living crisis. Many argue that distributing CDC vouchers provides only temporary relief and are calling for more substantial action on issues such as transport and rental costs.
SINGAPORE: In response to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s video titled “Tackling Cost of Living Concern,” uploaded on 2 October, netizens expressed that the Singapore government should address fundamental issues like transport and rental costs, rather than relying on measures such as distributing Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers.
In the six-minute video, PM Wong acknowledged that although inflation has moderated, the cost of living remains a significant issue for many Singaporeans.
PM Wong assured Singaporeans that his team is committed to helping them through this challenging period.
He emphasised that while inflation is expected to decline further in 2024, prices will still rise from time to time.
He explained that delaying price adjustments would only worsen the situation in the future, but the government will work on mitigating the impact of any necessary increases.
The prime minister outlined that the long-term solution to managing living costs is to ensure Singaporeans have access to good jobs with better wages.
He added that higher wages should outpace inflation, allowing citizens to improve their living standards in real terms.
PM Wong also provided an economic outlook for 2024, predicting higher growth and lower inflation, which could lead to increases in real incomes for workers.
He noted that the government is closely monitoring economic conditions for 2025 and will reveal more of its plans in the upcoming Budget.
Recapping earlier initiatives, PM Wong said the government has allocated over $10 billion through the Assurance Package to help Singaporeans cope with rising living costs, including enhancements to the package.
He highlighted that this year, every household has received S$800 in CDC vouchers, alongside utility rebates and cash payouts.
PM Wong also touched on global inflation trends, explaining how disruptions from the pandemic and global conflicts affected prices.
He assured Singaporeans that the government has taken measures, such as strengthening the Singapore dollar, to shield them from the worst of these effects.
Netizens criticise government’s approach to rising cost of living
Hundreds of netizens have voiced their concerns under a Facebook post by The Straits Times on PM Wong’s video, criticising the government’s approach to addressing cost-of-living issues.
Many users expressed frustration, noting that despite the government’s repeated reassurances about helping Singaporeans, there has been a lack of action to address the ongoing increases in utility and transport fares.
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one user blaming the increase in GST to 9% as a major factor contributing to the rising cost of living. As Finance Minister, PM Wong was the key advocate of the GST hike and defended it when the opposition called for a deferment.
One netizen criticised the government’s actions as being counterproductive. They pointed out that while the government raises prices in several areas, it simultaneously claims to be providing help, which they view as contradictory.
Netizens call for action on rising rental costs, criticise reliance on CDC vouchers
Many commenters also criticised the distribution of CDC vouchers as insufficient, urging the government to tackle root issues such as high rental and housing costs.
One netizen argued that CDC vouchers provide little relief, and reducing rental, medical, and food costs would be a more effective solution.
Another user called for standardised rental prices for hawker stalls and suggested that the government should fine landlords who raise rents excessively.
Other commenters focused on the need for more substantial measures, such as controlling hawker stall and coffee shop leases.
They argued that skyrocketing rental prices directly affect consumers through higher food costs.
One user proposed reducing government officials’ salaries and reforming other key policies such as lowering the GST and making housing more affordable as real solutions.
Additionally, some netizens highlighted the need to address transport and rental costs, noting that higher transport and raw material costs will continue to drive up consumer prices.
They urged the government to reduce rent for commercial shops and food stalls.
Netizens call for concrete measures in addressing cost of living
Some netizens expressed doubts about the government’s efforts to address the cost of living, calling for more transparency and concrete actions.
Many have called for clear metrics, such as housing prices, Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, transportation costs, and population growth, to be presented as proof of the government’s commitment to tackling these issues.
Other commenters urged the government to avoid short-term solutions such as payouts, which could ultimately lead to higher taxpayer costs.
They suggested more long-term measures, including lowering CPF contribution rates, which they view as a financial burden on lower-income earners.
-
Comments7 days ago
Christopher Tan criticizes mrt breakdown following decade-long renewal program
-
Comments3 days ago
Netizens question Ho Ching’s praise for Chee Hong Tat’s return from overseas trip for EWL disruption
-
Crime2 weeks ago
Leaders of Japanese syndicate accused of laundering S$628.7M lived in Singapore
-
Current Affairs2 weeks ago
Chee Soon Juan questions Shanmugam’s $88 million property sale amid silence from Mainstream Media
-
Singapore6 days ago
SMRT updates on restoration progress for East-West Line; Power rail completion expected today
-
Singapore7 days ago
Chee Hong Tat: SMRT to replace 30+ rail segments on damaged EWL track with no clear timeline for completion
-
Singapore5 days ago
Train services between Jurong East and Buona Vista to remain disrupted until 1 Oct due to new cracks on East-West Line
-
Singapore4 days ago
Lee Hsien Yang pays S$619,335 to Ministers Shanmugam and Balakrishnan in defamation suit to protect family home