Several Malaysian states have emerged among the top regions in ASEAN for average monthly salaries in 2025, according to an infographics by ASEAN Skyline.
Kuala Lumpur ranked second overall in the region, recording an average monthly salary of USD1,321 (about RM5,200) and trailed behind Singapore, which topped the list with USD4,457 (about RM17,502).
Putrajaya followed closely in third place with an average monthly salary of USD1,260 (around RM4,900), while Selangor ranked fourth at USD1,085 (about RM4,260).
Labuan completed the top five with USD1,040 (around RM4,084), further highlighting Malaysia’s strong presence among the region’s highest-paying areas.
Other Malaysian states include Penang (#6) and Johor (#7), where both surpassed several established economic centres in Thailand and the Philippines.
The data was compiled using information from national statistical agencies across ASEAN, including Malaysia’s Department of Statistics, Thailand’s National Statistical Office, Indonesia’s Badan Pusat Statistik, and the Philippine Statistics Authority.
While some netizens welcomed the rankings as a sign of Malaysia’s economic competitiveness, others questioned whether average salary data accurately reflects the reality faced by many workers.
Many pointed out that rising living costs, including housing, rent, food and transportation, continue to place financial pressure on residents in major cities, potentially offsetting higher wages.
Some also argued that average figures may not represent lower-income earners and could mask widening income disparities.
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