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After nearly a decade of building their lives in Singapore, an Indian expat couple has gone viral for leaving Singapore and moving to Malaysia for a slower life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe lived in Singapore for almost 10 years. Then one day, we decided to pack everything and move to Malaysia,\u201d said Sowmya and Mothi in a YouTube video.<\/p>\n
The couple who are originally from Tamil Nadu, shared that friends and family questioned their decision, citing Singapore\u2019s reputation for safety, efficiency, and career opportunities.<\/p>\n
Except Sowmya and Mothi was craving for something else: Lifestyle, and space.<\/p>\n
They shared that while they paid about S$4,000 a month for a two-bedroom condominium measuring about 750 square feet here, a 2,000 square feet home in the Bangsar area of Kuala Lumpur cost them a lot less.<\/p>\n
Cost of groceries in KL was another eye-opener for them.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The couple shared that they used to spend between S$250 and S$300 a week in Singapore, about twice of what they now spend in KL, which is about RM400 (S$128) to RM500 (S$160).<\/p>\n
They also said that despite spending less, there is also a wider variety of items in their cart.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can buy 200 grams or even just 3 ringgit (S$0.96) worth of something. It reminds me of India,\u201d said Sowmya.<\/p>\n
It was unclear if the couple were earning the same salaries as when they were in Singapore.<\/p>\n
That said, the couple acknowledged that Malaysia isn\u2019t some flawless utopia, and that Singapore does better in several key areas, such as public transport, safety, and drinking water.<\/p>\n
Unlike Kuala Lumpur, they could get around without a car in Singapore. Mothi also noted that women can walk alone at night with little concern.<\/p>\n
In Malaysia, they said have had to be more cautious such as double-checking car locks and staying alert.<\/p>\n
Since the move, they have also signed up for a water filtration subscription, something they didn\u2019t need to do back in Singapore.<\/p>\n
However, according to the couple, Malaysia offers, at least for right now, something Singapore doesn\u2019t emphasise as much \u2014\u00a0a slower pace of life, a stronger sense of community, and a more family-oriented lifestyle.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel more at home here,\u201d they said, describing Malaysians as friendlier and more open to social interaction, with a culture that leans more towards gatherings, hosting and, getting to know your neighbours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n