“The workload feels like a RM1.8K job” – Fresh Grad in Penang Barely Survives with RM1.3K Salary

Is RM1,500 sufficient for a minimum salary? Even UNICEF thinks it’s time for the minimum salary to be increased to RM2,100 because the former figure is nowhere near enough.

Fresh grads are usually the ones who suffer the most financially as they are just starting out in their respective fields. A Malaysian fresh grad, who goes by the username @铁饭网树洞? on Xiao Hong Shu (RED) shared that she has just worked for 6 months in the purchasing industry in Penang and is starting to feel the pain of earning below the minimum wage.

She makes only RM1,300 per month, and that is before the EPF deductions.

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With that amount of money, there is only so much the fresh grad can save.

“I managed to save around RM300 every month but what’s the point? The prices of goods today are not cheap. I work for RM1,300 a month but the workload feels like RM1,800.”

Did she think about leaving? Of course she did but her current circumstances don’t allow her to do so.

“I thought of leaving but I need the money, and it’s not easy to find a job today.”

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She feels even worse when she gets bombarded with irrelevant questions that don’t make her feel heard or understood.

“Some said they can’t understand my concerns because I don’t have commitments, such as paying for a car or house loans.”

Speaking of a car, with her current salary, the woman admitted that she can’t afford one now despite needing one.

“It’s impossible to get around without a car, but with my current pay, there’s nothing much I can do.”

“You can’t even survive with an extra RM200”

Social media users suggested she look for a new workplace because RM1,300 a month in 2024 is unacceptable.

“Please sue your boss, I mean it. You can barely survive with RM1,500.”

“I make RM1,500 now, before EPF deduction. It’s not enough for me.”

“If you think your boss isn’t treating you well, change your workplace. You’re still young, go for it!”

“RM1,300 was how much I made back in 2013. I suggest you work and find another job at the same time. My friend used to be a housewife for a long time and once she started working, she got RM3,600.”

To all the fresh grads who are exposed to the behind-the-scenes of the working society, how are your colleagues and bosses treating you?

Also read: M’sian Who Earns Only RM1.5k a Month Gets Pressured by Parents to Buy a Honda to be Like The Rest