S'porean man, 35, earning S$100,000/year says he wants to move family to M'sia as he is 'very jaded' with life

A 35-year-old man has sparked much discussion online after taking to Reddit to post about how he was feeling "very jaded" with life in Singapore and has been fantasising about moving to Malaysia.

According to the user, Serstay, he is married with three kids and is currently earning about S$100,000 per year with a job in the education sector.

He wrote:

"Of late, I have been feeling very jaded with life in SG and have been fantasizing of leaving. But because I am extremely close with my larger family nucleus, it feels like escaping to neighbouring countries is my best bet. KL feels like a sweet place to be, with opportunities likely far greater than anywhere else in Malaysia."

In a subsequent comment in the thread, he clarified that the education system in Singapore and its effects on his children was one of his "biggest" reasons for wanting to leave.

He added that he was unsure about finding a job in Malaysia however, and also asked for others to share their experience ion leaving Singapore for Malaysia.

Other users caution him of caveats to consider when moving

In response to his post, other users responded with caveats that he should consider before moving.

Pay

One user said he should consider moving if he is able to continue earning an equivalent rate in Kuala Lumpur.

Otherwise, he should consider the pay scale of his industry within Malaysia against any potential financial commitments.

The man replied that while he is cognisant of how he will unlikely be able to find a job that can match his pay in Singapore, it is something he can live with as long as his children are able to have a "more holistic learning environment".

Another user warned that if he moves to Malaysia and is paid the same figure, but in ringgit, the cost of living would become proportionally more expensive, with a car being a necessity.

Children's education

A few users also told Serstay that he would have to look at sending his children to an international school to ensure quality education, due to the state of public schools in the country.

Amidst the various cautionary responses however, at least one user pointed out that most of the people on the subreddit were looking at moving to Malaysia and that there are other Singaporeans who share the man's sentiments.

What are the experiences of people who have moved from Singapore to Malaysia?

Convenience, saving on living expenses, conducive school environment

In 2024, Mediacorp actor Shaun Chen shared with Lianhe Zaobao that he had moved his family from Singapore to the Eco Botanic township in Johor Bahru since Aug. 1, 2024.

According to Chen, it only takes around 30 minutes to travel from Singapore to his place in Johor Bahru via the Second Link, which is "very convenient".

In addition, his family has also saved around 30 per cent on their living expenses after moving there.

Chen added that the main factor which prompted his move was age.

"I am not young anymore, and I have always planned on returning to Malaysia after I retire. Hence, I decided to enrol my daughters, who are still young, at an international school in Johor Bahru," he shared.

He also said his two daughters are very happy in international school.

"The school offers a conducive environment. The workload is not too heavy, and my daughters can get to know other students who hail from all over the world. The school also helps to cultivate their ability to think independently," Chen added.

Slower pace of life

Meanwhile, another Singaporean who retired in Penang, named Charles, told Singapore-based Japanese travel vlogger Ghib Ojisan in January 2023 that he chose Malaysia because it was close to Singapore and affordable.

He had considered numerous different countries with his wife, Lena, before settling on Malaysia.

"The only reason we can live like we do and not sacrifice is because we are from Singapore. Our assets in Singapore pays for our life," said Charles in their 270sqm condo with direct access to the beach.

Charles and Lena said if they stayed in Singapore, they would not be able to afford the same quality of life that they are currently having in Penang.

In addition, Charles shared that compared to Singapore, Penang was more slow-paced.

The couple said they also have more time for each other and themselves where they choose who they want in their lives.

Top image via Zukiman Mohamad/Pexels