Big Mac Index

Who says our Malaysian food is expensive? We have the cheapest Big Mac comparing amongst some of other less developed country. The economists have this theory using Big Mac as a comparison of the price index. Funny but true from a certain angle.

McDonalds have more stores worldwide than any other franchises and Big Mac is one of the main food selection that is available almost at every corner of the globe * i haven't been to every corner of the globe, thats why the vague explanation* Hahahaha.



Unsurprisingly, i've seen more Hong Kong people eating at McDonalds rather than at their beloved char chan teng that is available anywhere in Hong Kong. A simple McDonald set meal at Hong Kong costs only like around HKD$30 while a set meal consist of rice, drink and soup at a char chan teng in Portland Street costs around HKD$40?

Malaysian consumer price index is slightly different from Hong Kong. The price we pay to eat at common restaurants and kopitiams are still cheaper or on par with a McDonalds set meal. Believe me, when i tell you that eating at McDonalds in Hong Kong would be cheaper than going to char chan teng.

Why then is it that common fellow Malaysians then complains all the time that fast food is rather expensive? I dunno? But i believe that the real reason lies with the fact that we make less than our neighbours per capita income. Just a simple comparison.

Singaporeans monthly expenses is almost similiar with us Malaysians (those normal working citizens in the corporate world). The lunch is price within SGD4 to SGD8 per meal, if you are to eat at as what general employees do. Food courts and fast food outlet is full all the time during the lunch hour. Malaysians generally spends almost the same as well. We spend like RM5-RM10 for a meal during lunch, which is on par with fellow Singaporeans rate (after conversion).

So whats the problem then? Back to the roots, i reckon. The overlying issue that have been paralyzing the Malaysian society in general, is the lack of increase of pay over the years. We are paid almost the same every single year with tiny meeny wages increases. Only perhaps, if you are to work at a good corporation that makes extremely good handsome profit, then you will have bonuses at the end of the year. If you are lucky.

There are those, whom i've seen and in touched before, that complains and whines, feeling depressed due to no bonus and no increment in their yearly pay. Plentiful same scenario i recon this year. You are lucky if your company pay you bonus, in short!Someone did actually mention before, that a newly engineering grad that applies for his/her 1st job 20 years ago actually makes almost the same with our current batch of engineers today. Can you believe it?

Engineer 1987 = RM1600 - RM1800 / month

Engineer 2007 = RM1600 - RM1800 / month

I mean, what the heck happens? Are they no inflation in Malaysia? Or are the employers screws us with our pay? I mean, someone has to take the blame and start somewhere right? Ridiculous, you might add. But its true. If you see someone that just graduate with only a little working experience, chances are this individual makes maybe perhaps RM1800 at max, in Kuala Lumpur! The capital of Malaysia! Don't even bother to compare against smaller towns. I've heard that someone do actually still get paid at RM1100/month working as administrator with a diploma graduate in Ipoh. Die man!

How the hell are you going to survive in Kuala Lumpur with RM1800? You will go broke and mountains of debts and credit cards at your tail after 5 years into work. You are now officially more broke before you go into workforce.

If you know of anyone that makes RM3000/month with 1-2 years working experience, chances are that, you will scream ooooooo and aaaaaaahhhh, "so high la your salary!" Kesian!

Now tell me, why the hell do an expat wanna move back to Malaysia to work? Try asking someone who works in China as an expat, like me, or someone who has work in Australia before. No 1 wanna goes back Malaysia to work. Its shitty back home. I have friends working in Singapore and i know. No 1 wanna go back to Malaysia and work. Plus with our current shitty TVB like politics and our government officials are at a mess, no need to further add.

"aiiiii......."

P.S: FYI, an average Australia citizen or Malaysian working there, is paid by the hour with benefits, of course taxes need to be paid. But, they have medical benefits and other good benefits! Well, we Chinese Malaysians are treated like shit and 2nd class citizens back home, whats the different then comparing to Aussies treatment, get the point?