It goes without saying that salaries offered by companies for the same roles in different nations can often vary greatly, depending on a number of factors such as the general cost of living in each country, conversion rates, as well as the labour laws enforced by their respective governments. This is especially true in the case of those living between both sides of the Causeway, with many Malaysians often willing to make the sacrifice to commute to Singapore and back again for greener pastures.
Job vacancy ad shows large gap in salaries for similar positions in M’sia and SG
Just recently, a series of job vacancy ads for a popular fast food restaurant has stirred quite a fair measure of discussion among both Malaysians and Singaporeans alike. Advertising the same positions for new outlets located in both nations, what caught the eye of many social media users was how the Singaporean job vacancy ad appears to be offering a substantially higher salary as compared to the Malaysian ad.
For positions in Malaysia, the restaurant chain is offering:
- RM7.21 per hour for part-time crew members
- RM1,500 per month for full-time crew members
- RM2,200 per month for assistant restaurant managers
For positions in Singapore, the restaurant chain is offering:
- up to SGD $11 per hour for part-time crew members
- up to SGD $2,200 per month for full-time crew members
- up to SGD $15 per hour for part-time managers
- up to SGD $3,800 per hour for full-time managers
“The difference is like the distance between the sky and the earth! How did they even manage to hire anybody?” the photo’s caption read.
However, it is important to keep in mind that in the case of the Singaporean job vacancy ad mentions that the salaries stated are the maximum amount that the company was willing to offer for each position, and not the base amount.
Netizens take to discussing if it’s a fair comparison to make
The post has since attracted some discussion among netizens from both sides of the Causeway over the discrepancy in salaries offered. Many have pointed out that it isn’t a fair apples-to-apples comparison given the stark difference in cost of living between both Malaysia and Singapore.
“One shows the base amount the company is willing to offer, the other shows the maximum amount the company is willing to offer. How is that a fair comparison?”
“The cost of living is totally different!”
“The pressure is different, and so are their expectations.”
“I would rather work in Singapore.”
But of course, as with anything on the Internet, it’s best to take this with just a pinch of salt.
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