Do you think a monthly income of RM1,700 is enough to raise a child?
Apparently for Malaysian influencer Kakak Saga, she believes this amount is sufficient for parents to raise children; a view that has since sparked mixed reactions online.
Speaking on a YouTube show, she argued that careful spending makes it possible, sharing her own experience of spending less than RM100 a month when her child was an infant.
She cited breastfeeding, buying diapers in bulk, and relying on ‘kampung’ resources such as homegrown vegetables, chicken, and fish to reduce costs.
‘I was sharing my own experience’
Many netizens pushed back against Kakak Saga’s claims, arguing that raising a child on RM1,700 is unrealistic in today’s economy.
Some argued that her mindset was outdated and warned that such limited income would only burden the child.
Responding to the criticism on Facebook, Kakak Saga questioned why people accused her of being a bad mother and claimed that poor people did not deserve to have children.
She added that many netizens did not watch the full video and said her views were solely based on her personal experience.
Unlike some of you who only mix with the wealthy, I have many friends from different backgrounds, and many of them live in happy families,” she explained.
According to her, Malaysia’s minimum wage of RM1,700 is what many people she knows are earning, yet they still manage to raise children in stable and loving homes.
“With RM100, I can buy enough diapers for a month. I’ve used both branded and cheaper ones—what’s wrong with that? Does it mean I’m depriving my baby? “she said.
She added as of now, she’s using diapers that cost RM40 for two packs and buys four packs monthly.
Kakak Saga said many parents she knows choose to work locally so they can be closer to their children and spouses, proving that happiness is not defined by wealth.
She also rejected the belief that expensive formula milk guarantees better growth, questioning whether price truly determines a child’s health.
Drawing from her own upbringing, she highlighted how living in a kampung reduces costs through homegrown food and self-sufficiency.
Irony of demanding high salaries
Finally, Kakak Saga pointed out the irony of demanding high salaries as a requirement to have children.
“Some say you need to earn tens of thousands to raise a child, but the truly wealthy could just as easily argue that you need millions.”
She pointed out that there will always be more expensive and luxurious ways to raise a child, with confinement ladies, domestic helpers, premium care, and everything money can buy.
“At the end of the day, is that the only measure of happiness?” she asked.
