They say money can change people but sometimes, it just reveals who they really are.
And in this case, it was RM800,000, life-changing money, or at least it should’ve been. But for one Malaysian woman, it marked the beginning of her mother’s financial downfall.
Had RM800K but nothing to show for it
In a now-viral Threads post, she revealed that her mother had spent RM800,000 in just a year, money which came from a hibah (inheritance or financial gift).
She didn’t buy land. Didn’t build a house. Didn’t donate, didn’t go for Hajj. The gold just kept going in and out of the pawnshop. And now there’s only a few tens of thousands left.”
She went on to say she couldn’t even imagine the anxiety her mother must now be feeling with the money nearly gone.
“The money wasn’t earned with her own sweat, so she spent carelessly. She’s never handled that kind of money before. It made her act foolish. I told her from the start, but she wouldn’t listen.”
It wasn’t gambling but it still disappeared
While many associate financial loss with vices like gambling or get-rich-quick schemes, the woman stressed that her mother’s downfall came from halal spending, done without control or foresight.
A recent example? Her mother bought 10 cows for korban (religious sacrifice), an act that, to the daughter, seemed more performative than charitable.
On top of that, she lent RM50,000 to a friend, hoping it would be invested. The money never came back, and there’s been no follow-up since.
Every time someone needed cash, she gave it, no questions asked. But no one paid her back. Let her hit rock bottom. Maybe then she’ll stop.”
When you break it down, RM800,000 over 12 months is roughly RM67,000 a month, gone without lasting impact.
‘Such a waste’
The thread quickly gained traction online, with many Malaysians pointing out what could’ve been done with that kind of money.
“Such a waste that it wasn’t well managed. She could’ve put it in Tabung Haji or ASB and just lived off the dividends. You don’t need to spend like the world’s ending tomorrow.”
Others chimed in with actual examples of smart investments:
- RM200K in Bank Rakyat: 15% annual returns = RM2.5K/month
- RM500K in Kenanga unit trust: 10–15% annually
- Touch ‘n Go investments: 0.3% daily returns
One commenter said their relative only ever spent dividends or bonuses, never the capital.
Sadly, she’s not alone
As the post spread, more Malaysians began sharing their own stories of financial regret within their families showing just how common the issue really is.
“Same with my dad. He sold off inherited land, gold, and houses close to RM1 million. None of us kids got a cent. We had to take loans to study. Some even dropped out. Now that the money’s gone, he keeps asking us for financial support.”
Others pointed out how proper planning could’ve changed everything from funding Umrah trips to building passive income streams that last for years.
And then there were those who didn’t just witness poor spending, they lived through it.
“My dad blew RM800K in just two months after getting insurance money due to illness. Then his family accused us, his wife and kids, of spending it. Less than a year later, the house was mortgaged, the car and motorbike sold. He’s now surviving on SOCSO alone. My mum supports everyone.”
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