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A viral post asking Malaysians about their biggest everyday struggles has drawn dozens of candid replies, ranging from the cost of living and road safety to discrimination
The post on AskMY subreddit asking, "What's the hardest thing about living in Malaysia, according to you?" has received over 70 replies in just a few days, with Malaysians sharing the issues they feel most acutely in their daily lives.
The original poster highlighted the rising cost of food, noting that prices have increased by around 17.5% since 2020, while wages have not kept pace.
From there, the discussion expanded into a long list of frustrations.
A common complaint was road safety, particularly concerns about motorcyclists, reckless riders, and noisy mat rempits
One user described "motorcycles zooming here, zooming there in the middle of white lines", calling it dangerous for everyone.
Another added, "The insane noise from the rempits racing in front of my apartment literally all night long".
Others spoke about how unsafe or inconvenient it feels to get around on foot.
One comment read, "Not having the ability to walk to the places I NEED to go without fearing for my life… have to walk directly on many dangerous roads with no footpath."
Some also pointed out that drivers often fail to stop at zebra crossings.
"Even when you're standing at the zebra crossing, they won't stop for you," one user wrote.
Food was mentioned repeatedly, but not only in terms of cost
People noted how difficult it is to eat healthily without paying a premium.
"Most meals don't have any kind of decent veggies," one person said, adding that oily, sugary food is far cheaper than fresh produce.
"We subsidise rice, sugar, and cooking oil but not veggies and fruits, lol."
The thread also discussed how challenging the job market feels, especially outside the Klang Valley
According to one user, many end up commuting from Kajang or Bangi to PJ and KL for work, which can mean "90+ minutes a day on a good day".
Those avoiding the Klang Valley grind often take retail or shift-based jobs that stretch to "six days a week or 12-hour shifts" for salaries under RM2,000.
Some lamented the work culture, saying many companies undervalue their employees.
"They don't care about your role… they just want you to work like a dog… sometimes even on the weekends with just RM3K."
Discrimination also came up, both in subtle forms and at an institutional level
One user listed the factors on which people are often judged.
"Your race, your religion, your gender, your age, your net worth, your body shape, your family background, your network."
Another added, "Just imagine being in a road accident and trying to defend yourself to the police officer without video recording. How confident are you?"
Housing and rent were another sore point
People complained that property prices in the Klang Valley are climbing out of reach.
"Mortgage is only affordable on a 35-year loan."
Rent, they said, is no better.
"One master bedroom with a parking lot is already like buying a house."
In 2019, a Bank Negara Malaysia official described houses in Malaysia as "seriously unaffordable" by international standards.
Image via New Straits TimesBut the thread wasn't entirely bleak
One commenter, an expat who has lived in Malaysia for 14 years, said Malaysians complaining about daily struggles need some perspective.
He noted that the country has developed significantly during his time here, yet has retained its "charm and warmth" despite its flaws.
"Yep, driving skills (or empathy for other drivers) could definitely be improved, but that's pretty minor."
He ended his comment with a reminder: "Watch what's happening around the world, guys, you've got it good here."
