There’s a reason you meet so many Kelantanese working in KL or Selangor. It’s not just for the city lifestyle.
For decades, Kelantan has struggled to provide competitive job opportunities, especially for degree holders. Even today, many locals find themselves overqualified, underpaid, or simply unemployed.
Recently, a woman from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, took to Threads to share her experience after months of unsuccessful job hunting in her hometown.
The reality of living in Kelantan is that it’s ridiculously hard to get a job. I want to stay with my family, but I’ve been unemployed for two months despite going for many interviews.
“Am I overqualified? I only have a degree. I’m just asking for a standard RM2,000 salary, but even that I can’t get. Please Kelantan… do better.”
Her post was met with an outpouring of shared frustration from others facing similar struggles. It quickly became clear that her experience wasn’t unique. It reflected a common situation for many in the state.
Unrealistic job requirements, unrewarding pay
As her post gained attention, many netizens chimed in, offering their perspectives on the absurd requirements listed in local job vacancies. It wasn’t just about needing a degree or experience. The demands often seemed impossible to meet.
“Must be an expert in multiple areas. Have more than 4 years of experience. Minimum qualification: bachelor’s degree. Job scope: be responsible for everything. Salary: RM1,500 to RM1,999.”
Further frustration was voiced by others, particularly those in specialised fields like engineering. One commenter shared that a friend, despite having an engineering background, was offered only RM2,000. Many considered this surprisingly low for such expertise.
“I was really disheartened when I heard. We study so hard, but that’s all we get.”
Others agreed, saying that even managerial roles came with very low pay. One commenter, a degree holder with over 15 years of experience, shared that she had once been hired as a manager for a mere RM800.
“You can’t even apply for government jobs unless you have the right ‘cable’ (connections). So people make trade-offs. Either stay with family and earn little, or move to KL and earn more but live alone. That’s just the reality here.”
RM2K considered “too much” in Kelantan
In states like Selangor or Penang, RM2,000 might be a bare minimum for fresh grads. But in Kelantan, RM2K is seen as “too high” by many employers.
As one user put it, RM1.7K is already considered a generous offer by local standards, which is barely enough to cover basic living costs.
“My friend has been an accountant for three years and still only gets RM1.7K with an RM150 allowance.”
“Overqualified” is a red flag
Ironically, having a degree or postgraduate qualification can sometimes work against you.
Some commenters felt that having a degree or years of experience was actually seen as a negative factor, as employers feared these candidates would demand higher salaries.
“I was unemployed in Kelantan for two years. Eventually, I accepted a basic RM1.6K job. Within a month, my boss made me permanent and raised my salary to RM2.2K.
I stayed six months before moving back to KL, and I have no regrets. That experience really sharpened my skills.”
Why so many leave the state
With limited career paths, more and more young people leave Kelantan for jobs in KL, Penang, or even Singapore. It’s a familiar story for many families.
“My parents are both from Kelantan, but they moved to KL to raise us. The state has lacked opportunities for years. It’s no surprise that people leave.”
Even those with master’s degrees find themselves accepting entry-level jobs with low pay back home, while they could earn more elsewhere.
Some argue that Kelantan has a lower cost of living, so salaries don’t need to be as high. But others disagree, pointing out that education, bills, and everyday expenses have all gone up.
RM1,500 a month might have been enough years ago, but it’s not sustainable now especially for those with families to support or loans to repay.
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