With the cost of living increasing each year, Malaysians are struggling to make ends meet, including those living in states that are considered to have the lowest cost of living.
Such was the case for a man named Firdaus Hamzah, who shared how he’s currently trying his hardest to provide for his family in Kelantan.
Took extra jobs to earn a living
Speaking to Sinar Harian, Firdaus said he earns RM1,700 monthly as a sales promoter but also has to take up additional jobs and work overtime to earn extra income.
“My wife and I spend the most on food, with daily expenses reaching RM50. At the end of the month, we pack rice and drinks from home while we buy side dishes from shops.
People say living in Kelantan is cheap, but that was in the past. Now, it’s the same as other states.
Firdaus, who’s a father to a two-month old child, added he also works on Fridays, his off day, to earn RM50 by helping to set up and clean tents at the Wakaf Bharu weekend market.
“We’re fortunate to still be living with our family. At home, my wife, child, and I live with my father-in-law and three brothers-in-law in Kampung Padang Mandol, Tumpat.
“To save more, we carpool to work. The monthly car instalment is around RM680 for a Persona, with the rest going to fuel.
“Soon, we will need to budget RM500 a month for a babysitter, exclusive of baby formula and disposable diapers,” he said.
‘RM1,700 salary insufficient to survive in Kelantan’
Firdaus added that even when his salary is combined with his wife’s salary of RM1,700, the total amount of RM3,400 is still not enough to live comfortably in Kelantan.
“This amount doesn’t include groceries, emergency funds, or monthly contributions of around RM300 or more to our parents, depending on the situation.
“With the current state of the national economy and rising prices, me and my wife have to live frugally. Though there are things we want to buy, we have to live within our means.” he said.
READ ALSO:
