Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

My employer just emailed me saying they've found me a place in KL RM1800 for a studio in the Bukit Bunting area of the city which will be close to my work. The deposit is RM3600 and they will pay that and then deduct it from my first 2 month salaries.

Here's the problem... I will be making 5800RM and after 10% tax it'll be 5250RM or thereabouts.

So, RM5250 - rent 1800 and take away 1 deposit = RM 3600. That means for the first two months after rent and paying the company back I will have RM1600 for bills and food etc.. is that enough for KL?

Skyblue2 · Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 127

That's like $500 dude. With $15 or so per day, I suppose you could get by. Just eat local food and watch a lot of TV in the evening. Don't run the a/c too much or you might not be able to afford you hydro bill. You'll be living like an Indonesian maid. Good cultural experience. Rolling Eyes

KayuJati · Joined: 21 Feb 2010 Posts: 313

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

Bukit Bintang is an expensive area, and not somewhere I would choose to live either. I'd agree with Kayujati. It's easy to find your own place in KL.

And, no. RM1600 is not enough.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Before moving to any new country, the prudent teacher should have saved up enough money to get settled in a new environment. Getting set up is often an expensive proposition. Be prepared.

roym · Joined: 17 Nov 2008 Posts: 42

clsc · Joined: 15 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

RM1600 is alright in KL if you are just eating (no alcohol). You can easily survive on RM10/day on hawker food... or about RM30-100/day if you are dining in a fancier place.

I think Malaysia can be as cheap or as expensive as one wants it to be. Live the "local" lifestyle and you can be saving lots of money.

Estimate per month:

Rental: RM1000-1500
Electricity: RM100-200
Water: <RM50
Tel + broadband: RM100-150
Transport: maybe RM200? really depends
Food: RM200 to ???
Satellite TV: RM100
Cinema: RM40 (if you go to the cinema every week)

Think I roughly covered the basics.

Nemodot · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 53

To be realistic no. I lived in Malaysia years ago and spent a lot more than that! Although a student gf "lived" off that she did get all her entertainment paid for by poncing off men lol. you could survive- but be like living on social security in UK. A bleak existence indeed. And what about medical insurance?