As a proud Malaysia citizen, I've always preached to my friends from different countries about how affordable our lifestyle was, this time around, I really can't say the same anymore.
Over the past 10 years, things has changed. Despite government ensuring the public our inflation is well controlled below 3%, but we the general public has very good idea how "small" our income is.
Instant noodle for example, 11 years ago when I newly moved to this place, with the new rental and new child incoming, I literally need to feed myself instant noodle month after month just to save enough to anticipate new born and also different living environment. I remember very well, it used to be 50 cents a bag of those instant noodle, and now it's closed to 1.00 a bag. Its almost doubled the price back then.
I certainly know, price hike can be an indicator of economy advancement. That we need to consider our input before we can measure our quality of life, the output. Looking back 10 years ago, compare my income, it's not even close to double from back then 😂 So tell me, when food price goes up by a 100% in 10 years, and salary goes up by 70% in 10 years, how is that improvement?
Yes no doubt, looking into my bank account, the amount of money in it was once I never dream of I can achieve. However, with the inflation injected, my savings probably not enough to pay for my own funeral 😂
Just when I was puzzling wtf I did wrong to myself, suddenly news breakout, stating instant noodle need to price hike again. I quickly check back my precious commodity, and they're expired! I didn't think twice and kept telling myself they're made to last, therefore it can't possibly be too bad eating bags of expired instant noodle from old price tag.
I'm not saying Malaysia is not affordable, I'm just saying the price has gone up so far that our local people rather keep foreign currency than saving their money. Meanwhile, happily whacking my expired noodle and writing this post. If I stopped posting for couple of weeks, then you can safely assume I'm no longer with you due to serious food poisoning 🤣