More than half of Malaysians believe their financial situation has improved compared to last year, even though many are still struggling with higher prices and an uncertain economy.
Feeling better, but still worried
Reported by Harian Metro, this is based on a new study by Vodus Research involving 10,673 respondents across Malaysia, which looked into how people are coping with financial pressures in 2025.
According to the report, many Malaysians have started adjusting to the current economy with a mix of optimism and caution.
While a large number say they are more stable financially, two out of five respondents admitted that their situation actually became worse due to weak economic conditions and the rising cost of living.
Vodus Research founder Kelvin Goh said Malaysians are trying to manage their money wisely while keeping a close eye on inflation, job security and the overall economy.
He said more people are describing their situation as “no change but worried”, showing that even those who feel stable are still nervous about unexpected financial shocks.
Family and daily survival are top priorities
The study found that most Malaysians are now focused on practical financial goals such as managing daily expenses and protecting their household.
Even so, they still hope for a stable and comfortable life in the long run.
When broken down by age group, the top concerns are:
- Economic uncertainty for those aged 25 to 44
- Family health and happiness for those aged 55 and above
- Personal well-being for those aged 55 and above
- Personal financial issues for those aged 35 to 44
- Inflation for those aged 25 to 34
The findings show that economic pressure is influencing decisions more than personal lifestyle wants.
A cautious but matured mindset
Overall, the report concluded that Malaysians are becoming more realistic and disciplined in managing their money. Many are spending more carefully, planning further ahead and preparing for possible financial challenges.
Goh said this maturing mindset will be useful for the long term, as Malaysians are not just reacting to short term problems but are learning to plan for the future.
He added that these insights can help policymakers, businesses and financial institutions create better strategies to support Malaysian households moving forward.
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