As the cost of living continues to soar globally, many people are rethinking how they work and live. For some, traditional commuting has evolved into something far more extreme. One such case is Racheal Kaur, a Malaysian woman who flies between Penang and Kuala Lumpur daily for work instead of renting in the capital.
Photo via YouTube (CNA Insider)
Featured by CNA Insider, Racheal begins her day at 4am to catch a 5:55am flight to KL. By 7:45am, she is at her office, bypassing the long and unpredictable traffic jams that plague most city commuters. After work, she boards a flight back to Penang, reaching home in time to spend the evening with her children.
Her decision to become a 'super commuter' was motivated by both financial and family reasons. Previously, she rented a place in KL and returned home only on weekends, but she realised her growing children needed her presence. "With them growing up, I feel the need to be around more. This way, I can help them with last-minute homework and be there for them every day," she explained.
Surprisingly, this arrangement is also cost-effective. As an AirAsia employee, she enjoys discounted airfare, bringing her daily flight costs to about RM50. Over a month, this adds up to approximately RM1,100—less than the RM1,400–RM1,500 she was previously spending on rent in KL. Additionally, by staying in Penang, she only has to cover her mortgage of RM1,000, making this an overall more affordable solution.
Beyond finances, the convenience of her routine makes it sustainable. Racheal’s office is only a short walk from the airport, eliminating the need for a long commute within KL. She also avoids the hassle of renting and maintaining an additional living space in a city where accommodation prices continue to rise.
Her story reflects the growing challenges of urban living, where high costs force individuals to rethink conventional work-life arrangements. With housing, transportation, and daily expenses increasing worldwide, more people may turn to unconventional solutions like Racheal’s to balance financial stability and family life.
