Recently, a TikTok video posted by user @anakmerantauu went viral, featuring an Indonesian woman named Sofi who opened up about her experience working and living in Malaysia. Her story resonated with many, shedding light on why she chose to pursue her career in the neighbouring country.
According to Sofi, she has been living in Malaysia since 2016, initially coming over to further her studies. Today, she is employed at a technology company and has built a stable life for herself over the years.
One of the main reasons Sofi decided to work in Malaysia is its geographical proximity to her hometown in Indonesia. She also highlighted the more attractive salary as a major deciding factor. For Sofi, a monthly income of RM3,000 is considered a significant amount for an Indonesian national.
@anakmerantauu Ga cuma di Taiwan aja yang banyak orang Indo nya Ada yang tertarik kerja di Malaysia? #indotaiwan #kerjaditaiwan #kerjadimalaysia sonido original - Selectomusic | #GoodMusic
In addition to the salary, she noted that Malaysia's mandatory Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution of 12-13% by employers was another major plus point. With this contribution, Sofi is able to save consistently for her future.
Sofi also shared how she searched for jobs through platforms like LinkedIn and Jobstreet when she first entered the workforce. However, for her current role, she took a more direct approach and applied through the company's official website.
Thanks to her years of hard work and dedication, Sofi claimed she managed to purchase a car in Malaysia for around 40 million rupiah (approximately RM10,440). Despite owning a car, she mentioned that she still prefers to use public transport, such as the LRT, for commuting due to its convenience.
The video sparked a lively discussion in the comments section, with many users agreeing with Sofi's positive views about working in Malaysia. However, some pointed out that the actual price of a new car in Malaysia is generally higher than 40 million rupiah, suggesting that her purchase might have been a second-hand vehicle.
Others, particularly Indonesians who had visited Malaysia, commented on the country's lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. They noted that this limitation often forces people to rely on private vehicles for daily commuting.
Sofi's story offers an insightful perspective into the lives of foreign workers in Malaysia and has opened up a wider conversation about the challenges and advantages of working abroad.
