Wednesday, May 19, 2010

RM33.00 A Month!

I wasn't planning to post anything today and was browsing this site called www.hairgrowthshampoos.net, but I came across this article that caught my eye. I'm perpetually complaining to wifey that we don't have enough money and why can't we be richer and all that stuff.

But after reading this article, I don't think I'll ever complain anymore that I don't have enough money or enough of anything for that matter. You can read the full story here but here's an excerpt of what I read that made me feel totally horrible for always complaining I'm broke!

After 53 years of independence, and much economic progress, there are scores of families dwelling in these faraway plantations, who try to make ends meet on a monthly wage of RM200 or less.

The most shocking case is perhaps N Subramaniam, a father of four. This 42-year-old plantation worker was only left with RM33, following the deductions to his April salary.

Fighting back tears, he said neither him nor his four schoolgoing children have been to a fast-food restaurant, referring to the KFC outlet in the nearby small town of Kerling.

According to his payslip, RM206 was deducted for advance taken, RM50.21 for electricity, RM40 (insurance), RM10 (union), RM24 (EPF) and RM1.75 (Perkeso). 

In this day and age, I simply cannot believe anyone can survive on RM33.00 a month! I can spend RM50.00 in less than an hour and not blink an eye lid and there are people who have a take home pay of RM33.00 a month.

With four school going children at that. Do these plantation workers really get paid so low? The people who do my production work for me gets paid so much more a month and they're all foreigners.

Yet these people in plantations (locals at that), whom correct me if I'm wrong, do such back breaking tasks from dawn to god knows what time and at the end of the day, they get paid RM200 and after deductions all they have is RM33.00 to feed a family of four children? Mind boggling!

I actually don't know the whole story but based on what I read from the article, it's really saddening to know that in this day and age and in a developed country (or so they say) like Malaysia, we still have hardcore poor like these.

I'm never going to complain anymore about not having enough money or not being able to eat at fancy places and such. Compared to them, I lead a really comfortable life. I hope that their employers will have a heart and do something about their wages cos people like these do deserve a break in life.

And the thing is, these plantation workers are actually very friendly people. I've been to a few photo shoots in some palm oil plantations before and they go out of their way to make you feel welcome and even offer you food and drink. Of course at that time I didn't know how much they really make!
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18 comments:

  1. He he he good morning Nick, good morning Pebbles! :)

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  2. Eh what happened to my comment??

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  3. Oh ok now I see it.. weird...

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  4. Hmmmmm....weirder now that 2 comments are missing...

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  5. I hope this one goes through though... what 33 RM only?? I am also baffled, how to survive right?

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  6. The plantation owners should take better care of their staff. :(

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  7. one of the school jaga at my dad's sch only gets i think rm500 a month! and most of the time my dad will lend a helping hand knowing that his pay is low. with rm200 a month and 4 kids.. HOW TO LIVE? so i think u should be thankful that u HAVE a shaver now right....

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  8. Marzie - Good morning to you but I think it's more like evening kan? LOL!

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  9. Marzie - It's been a little weird. I leave comments bit can't see until I refresh the page ... happens sometimes.

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  10. Marzie - Ya, how to survive la. Got kids some more.

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  11. Marzie - I don't know how to answer you. Just today we went out to eat dinner, we easily spent more than RM50.00, how to survive the whole months on RM33, I really don't know.

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  12. Lina - I have to agree, they really should. These people are the ones that actually do all the hard work!

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  13. Xin - Good hearted dad you have there. I have to agree, with even RM500 it gets hard to survive, let alone RM33! How on the world can anyone live like that la, with 4 kids some more!

    I'm more thankful for the things I have now.

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