Sometimes, we see Malaysians complaining about their own country on social media to their friends and families or even to strangers. While there is always room for improvement in our motherland, recently, a local man by the name of Leslie Lim posted a status on Facebook that reminded us to be grateful for the benefits we have here compared to other countries. Syukur lah!
We’ve compiled what he shared into point forms. And maybe now with these points, you don’t have to consider migrating overseas anymore because after all, “East, west, home’s best!” 😉
1. Consumption tax
The value-added tax (VAT) in United Kingdom (UK) is a tax that is levied on most goods and services provided by businesses in the UK and is capped at a whopping 20%. Compared to our GST of 6%, it seems like it isn’t so bad after all. Or is it?
2. Public healthcare
The healthcare system in USA is notoriously known as one of the most expensive places in the world to receive medical treatment, and an average cost to give birth to a baby naturally costs around US$10,000 (approx. RM43,267). But in Malaysia, the highest price it can reach is an average of RM12,000. And don’t forget our super-affordable government clinics and hospitals! Don’t believe us? Read this story by a Malaysian doctor here!
3. House prices
Of course, we complain greatly about the increasing house prices in Malaysia, especially in prime areas in the Klang Valley. But did you know that the average price per square metre in prime areas in Hong Kong is US$25,551 (approx. RM110,549) while in Malaysia it is US$1,827 (approx. RM7,905)?
4. Owning a car
Based on a recent survey, 47% of Filipino households do not own a car, which is considered the fifth lowest in the world. The amount of Malaysian households that own at least one car will shock you though, we place the third highest on the list for car ownership, at a cool 93%. Well, just look at the traffic jams and you would have guessed it!
5. Petrol prices
Yes, we know that the weekly price change for fuel in Malaysia is still in its infancy and takes some getting use to. But our current price of RM2.08 per litre for RON95 is comparatively cheap, as opposed to the price for fuel per litre in Canada, which costs approximately double of what we pay at RM3.94.
6. Securing spots in high schools
In China, junior high school graduates have to go through an annual academic examination known as Senior High School Entrance Examination, which you have to take if you want to proceed for senior high school education. Yes, it’s a different education system from us! However, compared to Malaysia, it’s super-easy to pursue your education!
7. Number of public holidays
Malaysia is ranked seventh among countries with the most public holidays – with 15 days, and that’s not including other ‘special’ holidays we get sometimes. Plus, our neighbour down south only has 11 days, which means we get to sleep in for 4 days more than them. Don’t you just love day offs?
These are only some of the awesome benefits that certainly make Malaysia seem like one of the best places to live in. Malaysia Boleh! Don’t you agree? :p
Also read: Chinese Nationals are Migrating to Malaysia by the Thousands, Here’s Why
