If you’re always broke by the end of the month, it’s time to stop blaming low income alone.
The truth is, many Malaysians aren’t struggling because they don’t earn enough, they’re struggling because they make the same money mistakes over and over again.
No sugarcoating. No “it’s okay” tone. Just facts.
These are 9 financial truths most Malaysians avoid, backed by local data, not opinions, and they explain exactly why your wallet is always empty.
1. You’ve Earned Thousands, But Have Nothing to Show
If you’ve been working for years and still have RM0 in savings, it’s not just about inflation.
- According to EPF, over 56% of members aged 51–55 have less than RM50,000 saved. That’s barely enough to survive 5 years post-retirement.
- Among active EPF contributors under 35, 42% have less than RM10,000.
If you’re earning RM3k–RM5k and spending every sen, you don’t have an income problem. You have a discipline problem.
2. You Bought a Car That Eats Your Salary
Car ownership is the second-highest household debt in Malaysia.
- BNM data shows hire purchase debt accounts for over 20% of total household liabilities.
- Many Malaysians take 7–9-year car loans for Myvis, Cities, and even HR-Vs they can’t afford.
A RM55,000 Myvi with 3.5% interest over 9 years ends up costing over RM70,000.
That monthly RM800 could’ve gone into investments, emergency savings, or skill-building.
3. You Think Buying Property = Automatic Wealth
Not every house is an investment.
- A condo in a dead location with poor rental demand is a liability, not an asset.
- You’re paying RM2,200/month for mortgage, plus RM300 maintenance, for a unit you’re not renting out.
If it doesn’t cash-flow or appreciate significantly, it’s a liability.
Renting is not a sin. Paying for the wrong mortgage is.
4. You Had a RM40,000 Wedding But No Emergency Fund
The wedding industry in Malaysia is booming.
- Average Malaysian wedding spends range from RM20,000 to RM50,000.
- Yet, 48% of Malaysians can’t survive one month without income, according to RinggitPlus Financial Literacy Survey.
You had a photobooth, candy bar, and smoke machine, but can’t pay for a car repair or minor surgery.
5. You’re Not Too Poor to Invest. You’re Too Lazy to Track Spending
Your excuse is “not enough money to invest” , but let’s look at your Shopee, GrabFood, and bubble tea history.
- Malaysians spend an average of RM500–RM800/month on lifestyle luxuries.
- Skipping just RM15/day of impulse spending could free up RM450/month for investment.
RM450/month in ASB gives you over RM40,000 in 5 years.
6. You Complain About the Government, But Don’t Know How Taxes Work
Let’s be honest. Most people complaining about BR1M, SST, or fuel subsidies haven’t filed taxes properly in years.
- LHDN offers reliefs for insurance, EPF, education, SOCSO, and even sports equipment.
- Many don’t claim even half of what they’re entitled to.
Your ignorance is costing you hundreds or thousands every year.
7. You Bought the Latest iPhone, But Have No Insurance or Will
You’ll spend RM5,000 on a phone, but not RM40/month on life or medical insurance.
- Only 18% of Malaysians are adequately insured, according to LIAM.
- 90% don’t have a will or Hibah plan.
If something happens to you, your family gets nothing. Not even your EPF if no nominee was listed.
8. You Work Hard, But Don’t Learn Anything New
Working 10 hours a day won’t change your future if you’re not learning.
- Most Malaysians don’t spend even 1 hour per week on upskilling.
- Free resources for learning coding, investing, marketing, and freelancing exist, but you’d rather scroll TikTok.
Skills build income. Overtime builds burnout.
9. You’re Waiting for “Extra Money” Before You Start Budgeting
Wrong mindset. You don’t budget because you have extra, you budget because you don’t.
- Malaysians who earn RM10,000/month still live paycheck to paycheck. Why? Lifestyle inflation.
- Budgeting RM3,000 properly beats earning RM7,000 and wasting it.
Control your ringgit before it controls you.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be a Statistic
If you’re always broke by the end of the month, it’s time to stop blaming low income alone.
The truth is, many Malaysians aren’t struggling because they don’t earn enough, they’re struggling because they make the same money mistakes over and over again.
No sugarcoating. No “it’s okay” tone. Just facts.
These are 9 financial truths most Malaysians avoid, backed by local data, not opinions, and they explain exactly why your wallet is always empty.
Want to start fixing it?
Read these next:
How to Start a Small Business in Malaysia (2025 Guide)
How to Make RM5,000 Monthly as a Private Tutor in Malaysia (2025)
How to Become Rich in Malaysia (2025): A Step-by-Step Guide
Malaysian Money Dilemma: Pay Down Loans or Build Wealth First?
