Malaysian who spent 6 days in HK sparks online conversations about extreme wealth gap, cost of living
Published on: Sunday, September 15, 2024
By: Jessie Lee
For many Malaysians, @TheFuturizts's reflections offered a glimpse into the realities faced by those living in one of the world’s most expensive cities. (Screenshot: X)
Kota Kinabalu: A Malaysian traveller who recently spent six days in Hong Kong has sparked online conversations about the extreme wealth gap and living cost between the city and Malaysia.
@TheFuturizts's X post was an eye-opening reflection and garnered nearly a million views, over 7,200 likes and 1,800 reposts.
ADVERTISEMENT_30_Sep-6_Oct.jpg)
In the first posts of the thread, they said a large portion of the dining bill was essentially paying for the restaurant’s rent.
“I had dinner in one of the high-end restaurants in Harbour City. I dined together with my HK friend and we talked about the absurd living costs there," said the traveller.
“The average rental near the harbour (not facing it) is six digits in HKD. Apparently, restaurants facing the sea have a rental of close to HK$1 million (RM550,000) per month."
Continuing the conversation on living expenses, they explored the reality of Hong Kong’s property market.
ADVERTISEMENT
“On average, tiny apartments smaller than 400 square feet that are not at the city centre cost between HK$20,000 and 30,000 (RM13,300 - RM20,000) per month to rent.
“With rent averaging at [this price], it is impossible for fresh grads to afford a tiny living space with their pay,” the Malaysian said, adding that the median salary of Hong Kong employees is HK$29,715 (RM16,200) in Q1.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the thread also compared the wealth disparity that defines life in Hong Kong with other countries.
“In Hong Kong, the top 0.001% of people control over 50% of country’s total income. This is more than double that of China and the US and 10 times the level in France,” they said, adding that it led to many middle-class people migrating.
The traveller said the extremely poor are left with little choice but to remain in the city, often in dire living conditions.
“With them earning way below the median, a lot of families stay in micro apartments of around 60 square feet. They live their entire lives in a cubicle no larger than our toilet.”
The traveller said an average meal such as roasted goose rice or beef noodles costs between HK$60 and 80 (RM30-50).
“If you’re into café food, then prepare your wallet. For a table of two sharing one pasta, one dessert, and two drinks, the bill could easily hit HK$450 (RM250),” they said.
Despite all this, the traveller concluded the thread with a message of gratitude for being Malaysian.
“Though rent and housing prices here (Malaysia) are expensive, it is nothing compared to HK and food is honestly cheap,” they said.
For many Malaysians, @TheFuturizts's reflections offered a glimpse into the realities faced by those living in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
