Is the grass really greener on the other side? Based on how much Malaysians make in Singapore and Brunei, you be the judge!
According to an official report by the Statistics Department of Malaysia, many Malaysians who earn a living abroad in the mentioned countries can make up to RM64,000 a month!
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Here’s how much, in general, Malaysians make on the other side.
- Singapore
-66.7% of respondents make between SGD1,500 to SGD3,000 (approximately RM3,560 to RM10,678)
-18.5% of respondents make between SGD3,600 to SGD 9,999 (approximately RM12,813 to RM35,589)
The highest wage for Malaysians recorded in Singapore is SGD18,000 (approximately RM64,066).
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- Brunei
-41.3% of respondents make between BND1,000 to BND3,000 (approximately RM3,558 to RM10,674)
-43.5% of respondents make between BND3,001 to BND10,000 (approximately RM10,678 to RM35,582)
The highest wage for Malaysians recorded in Brunei is BND15,000 (approximately RM53,373)
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According to the Chief Statistician, Datuk Seri Mohd. Uzir Mahidin said that half of Malaysians have an SPM qualification or equivalent work as skilled and semi-skilled workers in these two countries.
“For workers who have a bachelor’s degree and work as skilled workers in these two countries, the majority are between 25 and 34 years old.”
Job opportunities and a good working environment
In the statement, Uzir also said that Malaysians who work in Brunei have a higher tendency to migrate there than those working in Singapore.
In case you’re wondering, why Singapore and Brunei?
According to the statement, Uzir said it’s mostly due to the job opportunities and the good working environment in these 2 countries but that’s not all.
“The high exchange rates for BND and SGD are also the factor that Malaysians are choosing to work in these 2 countries.”
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Research conducted in 2023 also revealed that about 50% of Malaysians work in Brunei for social reasons, such as marrying a partner who originated from Brunei, following their respective partners to work there, or for family reasons.
You can read the full statement on the Facebook post here.
To those working in Brunei in Singapore, do you agree with these reasons? Out of all places, why Brunei and Singapore? Feel free to share your take in the comments!
Also read: Dream of Working in S’pore? M’sian Explains Why Grass is Not Always Greener on the Other Side
