Viral Post Sparks Debate On Johor Baru S Cost Of Living

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A viral Threads post by Amirul Akmal has reignited frustration over low wages in Johor Baru. The fresh graduate engineer lamented that salaries remain stagnant, with some companies still offering as low as RM2,500 a month. Pic from Amirul Akmal ThreadsJOHOR BARU: Living in the Klang Valley has never been cheap, and according to the Employees Provident Fund's (EPF) latest Belanjawanku 2024-2025 guide, it's officially Malaysia's most expensive region.
The report reveals a 6.7 per cent surge in living costs between 2022 and 2024, impacting singles, couples, and families alike.
However, residents living in Johor's state capital are rolling their eyes. Many Malaysians claim life in Johor Baru, or better known as JB, is even pricier than Kuala Lumpur.
A viral Threads post by Amirul Akmal has reignited frustration over low wages in Johor Baru. The fresh graduate engineer lamented that salaries remain stagnant, with some companies still offering as low as RM2,500 a month.

"Most fresh grads make below RM3,000. Technicians? RM1,800 - almost the same as machine operators," he wrote. "It doesn't make sense."
But it's not just salaries. Amirul argued that high rent, expensive dining, and costly groceries make JB an uphill financial battle.
"Compared to Kuala Lumpur, it feels like JB is more expensive because wages are so low. It's frustrating," he added.
His complaint struck a nerve, racking up over 200 comments from fellow Malaysians who share the same struggle.
One user, Nadzirah Azmi, said that Kuala Lumpur at least offers decent public transport, whereas in JB, "buses come once an hour, if you're lucky. Grab rides cost a fortune. The only thing cheap here is the dowry. Huhu."
Another commenter, @hazelovey, expressed shock at Johor Baru's cost of living after moving from Kuala Lumpur.
"There's no MRT/LRT. If you don't own a car, good luck, Grab fares are sky-high, and buses take forever."
Meanwhile, experienced professionals aren't spared either. Nurul Asyikin Ariffin claimed even nurses and skilled workers struggle with low wages.
"In KL, if you have local and international experience, you can demand a high salary and actually get it. In JB... it's just depressing."
With living costs rising and wages seemingly stuck in the past, one thing is clear: whether you're in Klang Valley or Johor Baru, making ends meet isn't getting any easier. - NST

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