Running a business may not be as profitable as many might think.
One small business owner has come forward to give a candid look into the reality behind their workshop, revealing how limited their actual earnings are despite public perception.
For illustration purposes only
The business was left with only RM15,000
The owner, who started the business in late 2024, currently employs only two staff members. Initially, the employees’ monthly salaries were set at RM1,700. Earlier this year, the business owner decided to increase their pay by about RM150-RM200 per person in response to rising expectations.
However, tensions began to surface when they reviewed CCTV footage in February. The business owner was shocked to hear the staff complaining that, despite the company supposedly making money, the workers struggled to earn RM2,500 per month.
In March, the business owner decided to address the issue transparently and convened everyone for a meeting to present 12 months’ worth of the company’s bank statements. He explained the financial situation, noting that after paying all operational costs and salaries, the business was left with only about RM15,000.
The business owner also explained that their personal monthly income only hovered around RM3,000 to RM4,000.
For illustration purposes only
Following this, the company implemented stricter rules starting in April, including no overtime and a fixed closing time of 4.45 PM. He also enforced a “No Work, No Pay” policy for lateness, as stated in the employment contract.
The business owner couldn’t afford the employees’ ideal pay
However, the changes led to further friction, with staff arriving late despite repeated reminders. By May, due to reduced overtime and deductions for lateness, their take-home pay had dropped to around RM1,800 to RM1,900.
The owner later had a frank conversation with his employees, telling them that if they were unhappy, they were free to seek better opportunities elsewhere, as they were unable to raise basic salaries above RM2,000 due to rising costs, including EPF contributions, as revealed in a viral Threads post.
The business owner added that even after giving RM1,000 annual bonuses in 2025, the business was still left with only about RM15,000 after expenses, a figure that many do not realise must also sustain the company.
The business owner ended by sharing that running a small business is often very different from the “big profits” image many people imagine.
WORLD OF BUZZ has reached out to the employer for additional comment, but has yet to receive a response.
Also read: “Dad, this is for your breakfast” – M’sian Father Moved After 18yo Son Shares First Salary With Him
