'RM1,700's Not Enough' - M’sians Have To Work 2 Jobs, Delay Marriage Plans Despite Minimum Wage Increase | WeirdKaya

Many Malaysians in their 20s are working two jobs, cooking their own meals, or postponing marriage plans in order to survive in big cities.

According to Utusan Malaysia, although the government implemented a RM1,700 minimum wage policy starting this August, young people say it is still not enough to cover the rising cost of living, especially in urban areas.

Some believe the minimum wage should be increased to between RM2,000 and RM2,500, while others hope the government will tighten control over food prices to avoid adding to the public’s burden.

Working multiple jobs to make ends meet

Mohammad Noriman Ahmad Zarkhoni, 22, works as both a food delivery rider and a factory operator. His earnings from delivery work are only around RM1,500 a month, while his monthly commitments are much higher.

Similarly, Muhd Rafiq Ridzuan Zainatul Rahman, 25, has chosen to delay his wedding plans because his earnings as a delivery rider are insufficient to save for marriage expenses.

Cutting costs wherever possible

Nurain Syamila Mohd Zamri, 24, avoids non-essential purchases such as clothes and electronics, brings her own meals to the office, and steers clear of pricey sweet drinks.

Nurkhairulaiman Najmi Md Kareen, 23, a sales executive, spends as little as possible and relies mainly on eggs as his primary food source.

He hopes the government will keep raw ingredient prices under control so that people like him are not burdened just to afford basic meals.

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