Moving to Malaysia for Work: Can I Manage on a 21K Salary with Living Costs?

Dear All,

Recently, I have secured a job in an MNC company based in Malaysia. They are initiating their operations in India, and for training purposes, I am required to stay in Malaysia for a period of six months. The salary offered is 21K. While accommodation will be provided in Malaysia, I will have to bear the costs of food and transportation on my own.

Since I am unfamiliar with the cost of living in Malaysia, I would appreciate it if anyone has any insights on this matter. Your assistance in this decision-making process would be greatly valued.

Regards,
Kasturi

Hello Kasturi,

What is the salary/allowances you will be getting in KL... in Ringgits?

Regards,
TS

The same salary will be converted to ringgits.

Malaysian allowances covered are:

Stay – RM 450 (Malaysian Ringgit) – an apartment will be provided suitable for 2 resources. The apartment will have full security.

Visa - RM 200 (all expenses and charges towards visa arrangement)

Air Ticket - RM 150 (yearly ticket allowance deducted for the first travel arrangement)

Regards, Kasturi

I don't get it, Kasturi. You said the accommodation is borne by the employer. Are all the figures you gave those that are borne by them? Or will these be deductions from your salary? Did you have to pay anything to them for this opportunity?

Suggest giving the full picture if you want a clear and practical advice.

Regards,
TS

All the figures that I have mentioned (i.e., the Malaysian allowances) will be paid by them. It will not be deducted from my salary. I need not have to pay anything from my end for this opportunity.

I am worried about the cost of living in Malaysia. Accommodation will be borne by the company. But my everyday costs, i.e., food, transport, medical, etc., will be borne by me.

So, my query is, will the salary offered (21K) be enough to stay in Malaysia.

Regards,

Kasturi Das

Hi,

It seems very impressive as the company is sending you to another location. Why don't you speak with someone working in the same company there itself? You can try this through some social networking site, etc. Hope this will be helpful.

Regards,
Tanu

Let me repeat the way I got it Kasturi. Your Indian salary of 21K will be given to you in Malaysia in the local currency. This will be apart from the accommodation cost, which will be borne by the company. Please confirm if this is what you meant. If that's correct, then FIRST and FOREMOST, please begin to think in terms of Ringgits and NOT Rupees from now on. This is the usual tendency all of us have - it makes the calculations go haywire.

I just spoke to a friend who is in Kuala Lumpur, and this is his feedback: With your salary, it would be a BARE existence - don't think of any savings at all. But usually for a comfortable living (without accommodation being counted and NO savings), he says the comfortable level of salary should be around MYR 2200-2500 per month. Your Rs. 21,000/- will work out to MYR 1750/- at an approximate exchange rate of MYR= Rs. 12/-.

So you decide - depending on what your priorities are.

Regards,
TS

Hi,

May I know what the opportunity is for and what learning will be imparted at the Malaysia office? Please discuss with existing employees about their 6-month experience in Malaysia and what they have benefited from it. I think keeping this in mind, you will be able to decide (and forego some comforts).

We are waiting to hear from you.

Better don't go unless you clarify all things. Even though I got an offer of a pay of INR 24000 at Dammam KSA, after calculating in Riyals, it worked out to just 1800 with free accommodation. Upon asking my friends, I found that it will be really tough to survive with such an amount, so just don't go based on salary. If your Indian equivalent is the same, then don't go for such overseas offers. 😉😉

But don't miss the opportunity to work abroad. You are going to get a different experience; compensation is secondary. Once you get settled, you can negotiate your compensation or search for another job.... All the best

Hi Kasturi,

What you are getting is a very low salary considering the cost of living here in Malaysia. What Tajsateesh told you is right; start thinking in RM (Malaysian Ringgit). The current exchange rate is 1 RM = 13 INR. With your current salary, you can't expect to save any money. Before making any decisions, consider how much you could earn if you were in India. If you could earn the same amount that is being offered to you now by this company, then coming here would be a waste.

If you need further clarification, feel free to ask me as I am here in Malaysia.

Thanks,
Dimple

Thank you for your suggestion. I have requested a salary revision from the company after receiving advice from this forum. Currently, my salary is 1536 RM, and I have requested an additional 770 RM, making the total 2300 RM. Since the company provides free accommodation, I am wondering if this amount will be sufficient for living expenses in Malaysia.

Kindly advise.

Regards,
Kasturi

Hi Kasturi,

That's cool if you really get 2300RM. Yeah, this would be enough, and you can save some money too. Your daily expenses would not be more than 50RM. By the way, where is your office and accommodation? If you get the revised salary, then don't lose this opportunity. You will get a great experience working here.

Thanks, Dimple

Can anybody please let me know the wage act of Malaysia? We would like to hire an off-roll employee. What all do we need to pay to him?

Please reply.