Young professionals in Greater Kuala Lumpur describe an exhausting cycle of survival as salaries fail to cover rising living costs, with many left with under RM100 monthly.
PETALING JAYA: For many young workers in Greater Kuala Lumpur earning a salary no longer guarantees financial stability – only survival.
Mohd Johhari Mohd Kamarruddin, 25, a creative associate at an advertising firm, said after paying his monthly bills he is often left with less than RM1,000 for daily food and emergencies, a figure that continues to shrink amid rising costs.
“A large part of my salary goes to supporting my family, bills, loans and rent. By month’s end, I usually have less than RM100 left.
“Rising petrol and toll costs have made it even harder to manage, forcing me to cut back on essentials like entertainment, insurance and other necessities.”
He said work-related expenses add further strain, spending up to RM100 a month on creative tools, petrol, tolls and software.
“These aren’t optional. They’re tools I need to do my job.”
His frustrations grow as his duties extend beyond his original role as a graphic designer to include marketing, media releases, writing and event work.
“I don’t think I’m being paid fairly for what I do. I’m staying only to complete at least two years before moving on.”
Johhari believes a minimum of RM3,500 is needed to survive in Greater KL.
“Anything below that feels like modern-day labour exploitation.”
He described his life as an exhausting cycle of sleeping, working and eating, with little room for personal growth.
“I can’t hang out with friends, I can’t afford hobbies – I’m barely surviving. Cheap food usually means unhealthy food. I’ve fallen sick so many times, but I can’t afford better healthcare.”
Elvina Lucia, 26, a paralegal, said she manages to get by, but only with strict budgeting.
“After paying for food and bills, I do have a small amount left, but I have to be very careful with spending.”
Bills are her biggest pressure, and her salary has not kept pace with rising living costs.
“Everything feels more expensive now – food, transport, even basic necessities – but my salary hasn’t increased in the same way.
“No matter how careful I am, my money just doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.”
Asked about living a “decent life”, she said it feels more like constant survival.
“I can manage the basics, but there’s ongoing stress about money and very little room to enjoy life.
“If wages reflected the real cost of living, I could save properly, worry less about unexpected expenses and actually think about my future instead of just getting through the month.”
Manisha Dharan, 29, a human resource assistant, echoed these concerns. Even after budgeting for fuel, phone bills, entertainment and savings, she is left with about RM200 to survive each month.
“Food alone is expensive. A simple meal costs around RM10 and five days a week adds up quickly. Unexpected costs make it even harder to manage expenses. There are times when I end up dipping into my savings just to get through the month, which is worrying because savings are supposed to be for emergencies.”
Lim Wei Jun, 37, a customer service representative and parent of three, spoke about supporting a family with one child still in school.
“After paying rent, food, bills and school-related expenses, there is very little left. Most of the time we are living month to month,” he said, adding that food and education costs hurt the most. He also said rising costs have outpaced income, leaving little room for extras such as outings, treats or family trips. – By Kirtinee Ramesh
