Malaysia’s official data says hardcore poverty is almost zero.
But here’s the shocking part: 77% of Malaysians say they’re struggling with the cost of living.
So what’s really going on?
Are we solving poverty…
or just replacing it with a new problem called “urban poverty” and a squeezed middle class?
Let’s talk about the uncomfortable truth 👇
The Rise of the “Squeezed Middle” 🥪
Today, many Malaysians do have income — but still can’t breathe financially.
They:
Earn “just enough” to not qualify for aid
Struggle to save even RM100
Live paycheck to paycheck
Feel stressed, anxious, and stuck
This isn’t laziness.
This is a systemic squeeze.
When income goes up ➜ expenses go up
When salary increases ➜ lifestyle inflation follows
End result? Zero balance stays zero
The Real Problem Isn’t Salary. It’s Awareness 🚨
One key issue keeps showing up again and again:
👉 People don’t track their money.
Salary comes in.
Bills go out.
Food, transport, subscriptions, Shopee, Grab…
Suddenly — money gone.
But where exactly did it leak?
Most people never stop to ask:
Is my money really not enough?
Or is it leaking silently?
Without tracking, you’re guessing — not managing.
Aid Helps, But It’s Not a Long-Term Solution 🛑
Yes, government aid like STR and SARA helps people survive.
But here’s the hard truth:
❌ Aid cannot build financial resilience
❌ Aid is not guaranteed forever
❌ Policies change, eligibility changes
Relying on aid without upgrading skills, mindset, and planning is dangerous.
The goal shouldn’t be:
“How do I keep receiving aid?”
The real goal should be:
“How do I upgrade my financial life so I no longer need it?”
The Formula Everyone Ignores 📊
It’s simple — but powerful:
Income – Expenses = Balance
If:
Income ↑ but expenses ↑
→ Balance still zero
To break the cycle, you need:
✔️ Budgeting
✔️ Savings
✔️ Investments
You cannot escape the ‘never enough’ cycle without savings and investing.
Why Saving Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore 🏦
Parking money in a normal savings account giving 0.2% – 0.5% returns?
That’s a losing game.
Inflation is the silent thief 🕵️♂️
Your RM10,000 today will buy less next year.
That’s why your money must:
👉 Stay liquid
👉 Stay safe
👉 Still work for you
Small Steps > Big Excuses 🔁
You don’t need to suddenly become rich.
Start with:
Tracking expenses
Creating emergency funds (3–6 months basic expenses)
Separating money by purpose (travel, raya, school, emergencies)
Letting money grow, not sleep
Consistency beats motivation. Every time.
Final Advice for the 77% Who Feel Financially Stuck ❤️
Sit down.
Write everything out:
Income
Expenses
Debts
Savings
Clarity comes before progress.
You can’t fix what you refuse to face.
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