‘Earning in Ringgit, spending like Singapore’, JB workers said RM3k is no longer enough

Malaysians working in Johor Bahru say that a monthly salary of around RM3,000 is no longer enough to live comfortably due to the high cost of living in the city.

While such an income might still be considered moderate or manageable in other states, the situation in Johor Bahru appears markedly different.

Due to its proximity to Singapore, the city’s economy is heavily influenced by the stronger Singapore dollar, which has driven up prices of goods, housing, and services in the area.

As a result, local workers earning in Malaysian ringgit often find themselves struggling to keep up, as they are forced to pay for essentials at prices that feel “international,” despite stagnant wages.

One social media user described the situation as more than just urban poverty, but a sense of “humiliation” from having to compete in an unbalanced economic environment.

“Comfort level for a RM3,000 salary depends on the state. Kelantan: wealthy. Kuala Lumpur: urban poor. Johor Bahru: poor and humiliated,” wrote a Threads user.

The sentiment was echoed by others working in Johor Bahru, who pointed out the direct competition with those earning in Singapore dollars.

“The most painful place is Johor Bahru. RM3,000 here isn’t just poor — it feels humiliating because you’re competing with the power of the Singapore dollar. Prices feel like overseas, but our salaries remain in ringgit,” said another user.

Some even noted that higher incomes do not necessarily guarantee comfort.

“Even earning RM7,000 to RM8,000 doesn’t feel comfortable living in JB. Maybe you need RM15,000 to RM20,000? Makes me want to move,” another comment read.

Others simply agreed that the cost of living in Johor Bahru has become increasingly burdensome.

“Living costs in JB are very high. That’s absolutely true,” another user added.