A Threads post about a graduate being offered RM2.5k instead of RM3.3k has ignited debate over entry-level pay and ‘freshie’ expectations.
A post on Threads by user @ms.joanwong has gone viral after she shared her younger sister’s recent job interview experience, raising critical questions about how modern companies value fresh graduates.
In the post, she detailed her sister’s credentials: “My adik (younger sister) interviewed today… Degree + 1 year experience, asking for RM3,300.”
The author claimed the HR representative responded to the salary expectation with a dismissive laugh, stating: “In our company, freshies like you… we will review your performance after probation.”
When the candidate clarified if the RM3,300 request was being rejected, the HR representative reportedly replied: “For a freshie, we only pay RM2,500.”
The encounter prompted the author to question the industry’s treatment of qualified talent.
“Degree + experience + willing to work hard = still need to ‘prove’ yourself before receiving a basic salary? When did ‘freshie’ become an excuse to lowball qualified people?” she wrote.
The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of users debating whether RM2,500 remains a viable starting salary in today’s economic climate.
Many argued that the offer was inadequate given the rising cost of living and the candidate’s year of prior experience.
User ohmignonette commented: “RM3,300 for a degree plus some experience is pretty reasonable… Some companies are still stuck with that ‘freshie-rate’ mentality.”
“For me, the minimum salary for a degree should be RM3,000. For RM2,500, you could be a server in a reputable restaurant and even receive a meal allowance,” added faizalmzain.
engineeringjobsmsia described the move as a classic corporate tactic: “Degree + experience is no longer a ‘freshie’. That HR is just making a lowball move. Hold your ground.”
However, some users argued that the offer reflects current market standards for entry-level roles.
User flexortill contended: “One year is nothing. RM2,500 is the normal rate. I would think twice about RM3,300 unless you have skills others don’t.”
He also alluded to a perceived lack of reliability among younger hires, citing a “fake it till you make it” mindset.
Others pointed out the disconnect between historical salaries and modern inflation.
Responding to claims that past generations earned less, user cisschisscheese said: “Funny how people compare salaries from the past. Are prices the same now? Can you still buy nasi lemak at the same price and portion?”
The discussion highlighted a significant gap in expectations, with user ash_jashin pointed out: “Not going to lie, those saying RM2,500 is normal probably got lowballed themselves. I am a freshie too, and I started with RM3,300.”
