Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A Malaysian woman's post on Threads has gone viral after she criticised expats who describe Malaysia as "affordable" compared to their home countries
In her post over the weekend, the woman said she feels uncomfortable whenever foreigners point out how much cheaper Malaysia is.
"[I don't know] about you, but whenever some Global North folks (matsalleh or not) 'compliment' Malaysia, [saying] 'It's so cheap here! Rent is cheaper than in the UK', 'It doesn't cost so much!' — I cringe immediately.
"Our people are so underpaid, yet expats who come here live such a wonderful life compared to locals."
She added that Malaysia needs to safeguard its own resources and not end up like other Southeast Asian destinations where locals are sidelined by expat lifestyles.
"I don't want KL to turn into the next Bali/Bangkok, where locals scramble to find decent jobs to make ends meet […] Protectionism is valid for a country like ours because we are not highly dependent on expats in terms of white-collared jobs."
Pointing to housing affordability, she wrote that locals are already struggling to buy homes in the city, while foreigners portray Kuala Lumpur as inexpensive.
"Housing is a dire problem in KL, and most of us can't afford housing, yet all these expats are telling the world that KL is cheap?!!?!! Ugh, imagine the future disruption."
Her post quickly gained traction, with many agreeing that the so-called "cheap" narrative highlights a wider problem of stagnant wages and the undervaluation of local workers
Many Malaysians in the comments said they share the same sense of discomfort, pointing out that Kuala Lumpur is already showing signs of turning into a playground for foreigners.
One person noted the rise of "non-Malaysian influencers and KOLs flexing their rich life in Malaysia on social media", warning that the trend is only growing.
Others turned the spotlight on local employers, arguing that the bigger problem is how Malaysian workers continue to be undervalued at home.
One commenter wrote that when they asked for a raise, their boss dismissed them, a stark contrast to how expats are often able to command higher salaries.
Some Malaysians also said they "cringe" whenever foreigners comment on how inexpensive food or transport is. As one commenter noted, what foreigners see as a bargain only reminds locals how little their wages can actually buy.
Another summed it up bluntly: despite the talent and skills Malaysians bring to the table, "we're still massively undervalued by employers."
Malaysia's average salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living in urban centres, particularly the Klang Valley
Meanwhile, the weak ringgit makes Kuala Lumpur appealing to expats and digital nomads from countries with stronger currencies, reinforcing the perception of a "cheap" lifestyle. But this perception has consequences for locals: as landlords and developers target high-spending foreigners, rents and property prices increase, making it difficult for Malaysians to afford homes in their own city.
The woman's viral post reflects growing concerns that if this imbalance persists, locals could be left struggling while foreigners enjoy privileges that many Malaysians cannot access.
Case in point: a New Zealander who relocated to Penang says she's found a better quality of life here, citing the lower cost of living among other reasons
Jill Tozer, 68, arrived in the country in 2014 after struggling with job instability following the devastating 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
"I crunched the numbers and thought, am I better off staying in New Zealand and paying ridiculous amounts for rent, unable to get a well-paying job, or coming to Malaysia and living off investment income?
"I figured I possibly would be better off here in Malaysia," she said.
Tozer eventually settled in a three-bedroom apartment in Tanjung Tokong, near George Town, paying RM2,000 per month in rent.
For many Malaysians, that's not even their starting salary.
