As living costs rise, young Malaysians are increasingly questioning what income level is needed for a secure family life.
Recently, a Malaysian stated that anyone earning less than RM15,000 a month should seriously reconsider their plans to marry or start a family, given the current economic challenges.

This bold perspective, shared in the popular Facebook group JB柔佛吹水站, quickly gained traction among netizens.
According to The Vocket, Yan mentioned in his post that the cost of living has skyrocketed, making it nearly impossible to achieve financial stability without a robust income.
He warned, “If you can’t make RM15,000 a month, don’t bother with romance, and don’t burden someone’s child. Don’t end up forcing your own family to bear the load.”
High Expectations in a Challenging Economy

Yan’s views were particularly focused on the potential pressures that financial instability could bring into a marriage.
He shared his belief that future in-laws, especially mothers-in-law, would likely be wary of a financially struggling son-in-law.
However, Yan acknowledged that the older generation often avoids discussing such topics openly, even if they harbour concerns.
Yan went on to explain that a stable and substantial income is essential to avoid restrictions in family life.
He noted that without a steady income, “many things become limited.”
For instance, he shared a sarcastic comparison, saying, “If you don’t have money, your children may only vacation in Klang while their friends travel to Paris,” illustrating the lifestyle compromises that families on a tighter budget might face.
Breaking Down the Cost of Raising a Family

For context, Yan provided a rough breakdown of monthly expenses for a family of four, estimating that a staggering RM23,700 would be needed each month to cover basic needs alone—a figure that has indeed shocked many readers.
He stated that, for a responsible individual, it’s essential to be the “breadwinner” of the household, covering all expenses, including his wife’s car loan.
Reflecting on changing times, Yan compared today’s financial landscape to the past, saying, “Back then, RM600 was enough to support a family for a month, but now, RM6,000 might only be sufficient for one individual.”
Beyond necessities, Yan also discussed the lifestyle he believes a responsible father should provide.
He expressed a desire to be able to take his family to restaurants or indulge in fine dining every weekend, framing this as a basic expectation.
Additionally, he stated that a father should have the means to buy luxury items like Balenciaga for his children, teaching them about wealth from a young age.
He added, “If you can’t afford this, be prepared for your kids to get used to mixed rice every day and never set foot in high-end restaurants.”
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
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