Malaysian actress and social media personality Zarina Anjoulie has ignited heated discussions online after openly stating that women should not feel guilty about rejecting men who earn significantly less than they do.
The controversy began after the actress responded to a Threads discussion involving a woman who reportedly earned RM8,000 monthly, equivalent to around S$2,400, and was unsure whether it was wrong to reject a potential partner earning RM2,000, or about S$600, due to fears of eventually becoming financially responsible for him.
Zarina responded bluntly, saying there was “nothing wrong” with turning down a man over financial concerns. Her remarks quickly went viral across Malaysian social media platforms, drawing both support and criticism from internet users debating modern relationships, marriage expectations and financial stability.
In her comments, the actress argued that many women are pressured into believing they should “struggle together” with financially unstable partners, while men themselves may not always be willing to provide similar support when women encounter difficulties.
She further claimed that women who ask for financial assistance are often labelled negatively, including being called “gold diggers”, despite society expecting them to tolerate financial hardship within relationships.
Actress Says Financial Stress Can Damage Relationships
The discussion gained momentum after Zarina referenced her own experiences from two previous marriages. She suggested that financial imbalance within relationships can become emotionally exhausting over time, particularly when one partner consistently carries the heavier burden.
According to the actress, women should not be shamed for prioritising financial compatibility when choosing a long-term partner. She also told women to ask men to “come back when you’re earning more”, a statement that became widely circulated online.
However, Zarina clarified that her criticism was not aimed at hardworking men in lower-income jobs. She said there is nothing embarrassing about men taking on side hustles such as ride-hailing work or selling second-hand goods if they are genuinely trying to improve their financial situation.
She stressed that ambition, discipline and willingness to work hard matter just as much as income level itself.
Her comments triggered thousands of reactions online, with many agreeing that money problems are among the leading causes of tension in marriages and long-term relationships.
Others disagreed strongly, arguing that qualities such as loyalty, emotional support and shared values are ultimately more important than salary figures.
Social Media Users Split Over Her Views
The debate has since spread across platforms including Threads, Facebook and TikTok, with users divided over whether financial expectations in relationships have become too transactional.
Some commenters defended Zarina’s views, saying rising living costs in countries like Malaysia and Singapore make financial compatibility increasingly important. Many pointed to housing costs, inflation and daily expenses as reasons why couples must realistically evaluate income levels before committing to marriage.
Others argued that relationships should not be measured primarily by earning power, adding that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness or a successful marriage.
One user reportedly commented that mindset, planning and mutual effort matter more than salary differences. In response, Zarina replied that financial hardship can still severely strain relationships, remarking that “love doesn’t pay the electric bill.”
Her remarks also appeared connected to past relationship disputes. In 2021, Zarina Anjoulie publicly addressed issues involving her former husband and requested the return of luxury items she had allegedly purchased during their marriage, including designer products and electronics.
The latest controversy has once again placed the actress at the centre of online conversations surrounding gender expectations, dating standards and financial independence in modern Southeast Asian relationships.