Indian Expat Couple Leaves S'pore After 10 Years, Says M'sia Offers Better Quality Of Life For Family | WeirdKaya

After spending nearly a decade building their lives in Singapore, an Indian expatriate couple has gone viral for explaining why they chose to leave the city state behind and relocate to Malaysia instead.

In a YouTube video documenting their move, Sowmya and Mothi, a couple originally from Tamil Nadu, India, shared that while Singapore gave them financial stability and career opportunities, Malaysia ultimately offered a lifestyle they felt was more suitable for raising a family.

Leaving Singapore was not an easy decision

Reported byThe Vocket, the decision to move out of Singapore after 10 years came as a surprise to many people around them.

“We lived in Singapore for almost 10 years. Then one day, we decided to pack everything and move to Malaysia,” he said.

He admitted that friends and family had questioned the decision, especially given Singapore’s reputation for safety, efficiency, and career opportunities.

Still, the couple felt it was time for a new chapter.

They get a much bigger home in KL for less money

One of the main reasons behind the move was housing affordability and living space.

The couple shared that while living in Singapore, they were paying around SGD4,000 monthly for a two bedroom condominium measuring approximately 750 square feet.

After relocating to Kuala Lumpur, they now rent a home in Bangsar measuring close to 2,000 square feet at a significantly lower cost.

According to them, even homes in upscale Kuala Lumpur neighbourhoods can offer far more space and comfort for much less than what they were paying in Singapore.

Groceries and daily expenses are also cheaper

Beyond housing, the couple said their weekly grocery spending dropped noticeably after moving.

While they used to spend around SGD250 to SGD300 a week on groceries in Singapore, they now spend only RM400 to RM500 in Kuala Lumpur despite purchasing a wider range of items.

Sowmya added that one thing she appreciates most about shopping in Malaysia is the flexibility of buying groceries in smaller quantities.

“You can buy 200 grams or even just RM3 worth of something. It reminds me of India,” she said.

But they admit Singapore still does some things better

That said, the couple stressed that Singapore still outperforms Malaysia in several key areas.

For one, they described Singapore’s public transport system as significantly more efficient, noting that owning a car there is optional while it is almost necessary in Kuala Lumpur.

They also praised Singapore’s safety standards, with Mothi calling it one of the safest countries in the world.

He noted that women in Singapore can comfortably walk alone late at night, while in Malaysia they tend to be more cautious and take extra precautions such as ensuring car doors are locked.

In addition, they pointed out that Singapore’s tap water is drinkable straight from the tap, whereas they now rely on a water filtration subscription in Malaysia.

Why Malaysia feels more like home to them

Despite acknowledging Singapore’s strengths, the couple said Malaysia offers something they value more at this stage of life.

According to them, Malaysia provides a warmer sense of community, more relaxed pace of life, and stronger family oriented culture.

They said Malaysians tend to be friendlier, more open to social interaction, and more likely to invite neighbours and friends over for gatherings.

They say the best country depends on your life stage

Ultimately, the couple believes the “better” country depends on what someone is prioritising in life.

In their view, Singapore is ideal for young professionals looking to build their careers and financial foundations.

However, for those planning to settle down and raise children, they believe Malaysia offers a more comfortable and spacious lifestyle.

“Singapore gave us a foundation, but Malaysia gave us room to breathe as a family,” they said.

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

Here’s the video:

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