The cost of living worldwide has certainly risen, and many of us are struggling to make ends meet in today’s economy.
A Singaporean MP recently shared his thoughts, saying that Singaporean hawker food is still much more affordable compared to Malaysia’s.
S’pore food is more affordable than Malaysia’s based on median income
In a video shared by @petir.sg, Edward Chia was seen giving a speech in Parliament about the cost of hawker food in Singapore, comparing it to Malaysia’s prices and highlighting how it’s more affordable based on median income.
He mentioned that a typical hawker meal costs SGD5 (approximately RM16.58), which makes up about 0.1% of the median monthly income.
He also noted that a hawker meal accounts for 0.1% of Singapore’s median monthly income, which was approximately SGD5,197 (around RM17,230) in 2023.
“Singapore street food only costs SGD2.90”
When comparing it to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Chia pointed out that the median monthly income there is SGD1,901 (approximately RM6,302.88), while a street food meal costs around SGD2.90 (approximately RM9.62).
He noted that in Singapore, a meal makes up about 0.26% of the median income, which is more than double the percentage in Malaysia.
“I understand and empathise with residents who think about affordability based on what they used to pay rather than comparing it to what others in different countries are paying. Economic data points across cities provide a clear reality of our comparative situation,” he said.
“S’pore offers high-quality meals at lower prices”
Chia then praises Singaporean hawkers for offering “high-quality, diverse, and tasty meals” at prices much lower than what people pay in other major cities around the world.
He continued by explaining that Singaporeans are in a better position when it comes to handling the rising cost of living, as people in other countries are paying more.
“This affordability is part of Singapore’s unique social contract, built around the commitment to feed the nation. However, it also highlights the financial challenges that hawkers have to deal with,” he added.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
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