Life in Kuala Lumpur may seem full of promise—gleaming skyscrapers, trendy cafes, and endless opportunities. But behind the city’s façade of modernity, many young Malaysians are barely managing to get by.
In a city where prices continue to climb but wages remain stagnant, surviving on a RM2,500 monthly salary is no longer just difficult—it’s nearly impossible.
A young husband recently took to social media to share his reality of living on such a wage in KL. Describing the experience as akin to “playing Squid Game,” he broke down how quickly his money disappears every month.
With RM600 going straight to rent, he’s left with RM1,900 to cover everything else. Transportation costs eat up RM200, eating out twice a day takes RM600, and RM100 goes to phone and internet bills. That leaves him with a measly RM1,000 to support his child and elderly parents back in his hometown.
The pressure, he said, is not just financial—it’s emotional and mental. While some might advise finding a better-paying job, the reality is bleak. Even with a university degree, job opportunities that match one's qualifications are few and far between.
“People think we’re not trying hard enough,” he wrote. “But sometimes, we’re forced to take any job just to keep the lights on.”
Worse still, there’s a heavy social stigma attached to opening up about money problems. Many suffer in silence, afraid of being labelled lazy or irresponsible. “It’s not about wanting a luxurious lifestyle,” he said. “We just want to live in peace.”
He ended his post with a plea to those who are more fortunate, not to belittle those who are struggling, but to acknowledge that the system is flawed. Prices rise, but wages don’t. And that gap is widening.
To every young Malaysian trying to make ends meet, know that you're not alone. But let this also be a gentle reminder: live below your means when you can, be cautious with your spending, and prioritise your essentials.
In a system that doesn’t always work in our favour, being financially mindful is one of the best tools we have.
