Job Discussion Forums

mrjack · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 65

what is KL like to live in and what is a good wage in Malaysia. I have been offered a job for RM5000(teaching PE), i'm trying to get them to go to six or seven thousand, worst case scenario can i live comfortable on RM5000.
Will i be able to eat out everyday and see some of the country at the weekend, and of course have a few beers. I dont want to be on the breadline.

Thanks in advance,

Tim

been_there · Joined: 28 Oct 2003 Posts: 284 Location: 127.0.0.1

KL's expensive, relatively speaking, you're looking at 1500 RM for a one-room apartment (more if you want to be near PJ, Bangsar, Golden triangle) check on the outskirts near the train stations.

Beer, too, is heavily taxed. 10-20 RM at a bar for a can. Going out will suck you dry.

Eating out every day and traveling on the weekend? Not going to have much of that RM5000 left. It might just be enough, if you don't plan on leaving the country (east coast is cheaper) and don't want any savings.

micropiglet · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 9:56 am Post subject: Wages

I don't agree.
I earn less than 4000 and I save a considerable amount of that, travel, and do more or less whatever I want. I have to say, I find it very much more cost effective than living in the UK!!

SandyMcIvor · Posted: Tue Aug 02, 2005 1:41 am Post subject:

I must agree with Micropiglet: my salary is 5000 a month, and I have no problems making ends meet. It is inexpensive to travel and eat and live in Malaysia. Travel outside is expensive, and the conversion on the Ringett is not so good, but as long as I stay in-country, I live well. Much cheaper living expenses than in western countries. As long as you haven�t any loans or other obligations in your home country, you should have no problems surviving on 5000 in Malaysia.

Mideatoo · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:42 am Post subject:

laconic · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject: ELS

How about ELS in Malaysia? Has anyone worked for them? Any and all comments most appreciated.

Bunny · Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 18

Els are even worse than International House and that's saying something! The salary there is pathetic and to be avoided at all costs. Really, it is no more than a survival salary. You will be so jealous of other expats who are able to have a great Friday night in Bangsar, while you have to save and scrape a few rm all week to enjoy a beer in a backstreet open restaurant (great that they are on some occasions). Is that the way to spend Friday night? Or maybe you prefer International House? You have to work six days a week there for little more than ELS. Friday night spent thinking about that lovely early morning school bus trip to Cyberjaya....mmmm I think not. Really, avoid ELS and IH like the palgue.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

leonconnelly · Joined: 03 Nov 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Malaysia

I have a one bedroom apartment in a nice condo in PJ and only pay RM1100. This is considered expensive. Most people go for share accommodation and can pay about RM500 per month or less. If you look around, you can pay even less.

If you go a bit further out, you can rent an entire apartment or house in Bukit Jalil for RM500 a month.

I also have car, which saves me money and isn't that expensive to run here. Once you get used to the traffic and the insane drivers life gets pretty easy on the road.

RM5000 is enough to survive on and save money.

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia