Rising living costs strain Malaysians as young adults urge a shift to disposable-income classification for fairer support and more accurate assessment of financial pressure.
PETALING JAYA: Young adults and urban families have spoken to theSun about the continued strain of rising living costs and expressed their preference for a disposable-income classification model to replace the current categories.
Environmental executive Syaza Lina, 33, who lives in Subang Jaya and earns above RM6,000, said her monthly essential expenses of car-related commitments, housing maintenance and utilities, food and transport come to about RM3,800.
“The biggest (source of) pressure each month is my car loan since I don’t have a housing loan yet. My mother has paid for my apartment, so I will only have to pay for utilities and maintenance.
“However, food and daily expenses in Kuala Lumpur, where I work, are quite high. Although my remaining income is still enough, rising prices for basic goods and services mean I have to be more careful with my budget.”
She added that she remains cautious despite being able to save.
“I hope the government could stabilise living costs and provide more targeted support so people could plan their finances with more confidence.”
Human resource executive Safwan Adlan, 25, who lives in Mutiara Damansara and earns RM4,000, said his basic monthly expenses come to about RM1,500, leaving him with about RM2,000.
However, food and education-related debt remain his main concerns.
“Food prices vary a lot by location and my workplace does not have cheaper alternatives. My (student) loan payment is also ongoing.”
He supported the idea of replacing existing income groups with a disposable-income framework.
“Some M40 might fall into (the B40 group) after paying off (large) commitments, while some B40 may be comfortable because of their living arrangements. Disposable income is a better way to assess a household’s situation.”
Adib Yahya, 34, a photographer based in Petaling Jaya who earns RM2,500 and is supporting a family of three, said rising costs leave him with minimal room each month.
He said his essential expenses, covering rent, food, utilities, fuel and his four-year-old child’s needs, come to (about) RM2,200, leaving only about RM300.
“The most stressful parts are rent and child-related costs. Prices keep going up and as children grow, expenses increase quickly. The limited monthly balance affects my financial decisions.
“With such a small amount left, it definitely feels tight. A lot of things have to be postponed and saving is difficult.”
He expressed hope that any future policy reflects household pressure realistically.
“I hope the government could provide more accurate, needs-based assistance based on disposable income, ease housing and childcare costs and control essential prices. That would help a lot.”
The gathered responses indicate that fixed commitments and rising daily expenses are constraining disposable incomes, prompting renewed scrutiny of whether current income classifications capture the reality of financial strain.
