A Malaysian intern recently sparked a heated discussion online after sharing that her parents allegedly asked her to give them RM500 a month, even before she officially started her internship.
The intern said she was already stressed about beginning work, as she was still trying to manage her own debts, savings, and future education plans.
Parents allegedly asked for RM500 monthly
In a Threads post, the intern wrote that she was scheduled to start her internship the next day when her parents allegedly demanded RM500 a month from her.
She added that she had been paying her own semester fees and felt overwhelmed as she was only just beginning her adult life.
I haven’t even started my internship yet and my parents already demanded RM500 a month.
“My semester fees were also paid by myself. I’m just starting life and I’m honestly so stressed.”
The post quickly gained attention, with many netizens asking how much allowance she would be receiving during her internship.
Internship allowance of RM1,800
In a follow up post, the intern clarified that she would be receiving an allowance of RM1,800 per month.
She said the company provides hostel accommodation and lunch, but claimed that she has to work 12 hours a day and still needs to cover her own meals after work.
I get an allowance of RM1,800 per month. There is hostel accommodation and lunch provided, but I work 12 hours a day. Of course I still need to eat after going home,” she explained.
She also shared that her mother is still working while her father is retired, and claimed that their total household income is almost RM9,000 a month.
According to her, she had already told her parents about her financial plans, debts, and intention to buy a car.
“I’ve already told them what I planned to do, and they know about all the debts I’m carrying and that I want to get a car,” she wrote.
Saving for car, licence and degree
In the comments, the intern further explained that she needs to save money for her driving licence, a car, and her future degree.
She said everything is self funded, and that she still has existing debts from her diploma days, including purchases made through Atome and TikTok Shop.
“I need to save because I want to get my driver’s licence and buy a car. Everything is self-funded. I also want to save for my degree,” she said.
She claimed that her previous debts were used to support her living expenses while pursuing a Diploma.
The intern also said that if her parents were only asking for a small amount, she would not mind as much.
“If they just wanted me to help a little, I would still be okay. But I feel like they don’t pity me, even though I’m just starting out in life,” she wrote.
Netizens advised her to give what she can afford
Many netizens sympathised with her and advised her not to force herself to give an amount that would affect her own basic needs.
One commenter said that giving money to parents should be based on one’s ability, not pressure.
Several others also advised her not to reveal her exact income or allowance to anyone, including family members.
The intern then replied that her mother had asked to see her offer letter when she first received it.
“My mother asked for my offer letter when I got it, so I couldn’t really say anything,” she said.
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