Kuala Lumpur: Lower living costs and a slower pace of life drew an Indian expatriate couple to relocate from Singapore to Malaysia after nearly a decade.
Sowmya and Mothi said in a
YouTube video that they decided to move after almost 10 years in the city-state.
“We lived in Singapore for almost 10 years, then one day we decided to pack everything and move to Malaysia,” they said.
The couple, originally from Tamil Nadu, said friends and family questioned their decision given Singapore’s reputation for safety, efficiency and career opportunities.
They said they were seeking more space and a different lifestyle.
They shared that they had been paying about S$4,000 a month for a 750 sq ft two-bedroom condominium in Singapore, compared to a 2,000 sq ft home in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, which costs significantly less.
They said grocery costs were also lower, having spent between S$250 and S$300 a week in Singapore, compared to about RM400 (S$128) to RM500 (S$160) in Kuala Lumpur.
Sowmya said the ability to buy small quantities at low cost in Malaysia reminded her of India.
It was unclear whether the couple retained the same level of income after relocating.
They acknowledged that Singapore performs better in areas such as public transport, safety and drinking water.
They noted that getting around without a car was easier in Singapore and that women could walk alone at night with little concern.
In Malaysia, they said they take additional precautions, including checking car locks and staying alert.
They added that they had subscribed to a water filtration service after the move, which they did not require in Singapore.
Despite this, the couple said Malaysia offers a slower pace of life, a stronger sense of community and a more family-oriented environment.
“We feel more at home here,” they said, describing Malaysians as friendlier and more open to social interaction.
