KL may have “secured” second place in ASEAN for average salaries, but a closer look shows just how far behind Singapore it really is. According to an infographic shared by WeirdKaya, Kuala Lumpur’s average monthly salary in 2025 was USD1,321 (about RM5,200), putting it firmly behind Singapore, which topped the region at USD4,457 (roughly RM17,502). Putrajaya and Selangor followed with USD1,260 and USD1,085 respectively, while Labuan rounded out Malaysia’s top five regions in terms of pay.
The news sparked plenty of discussion online, with some netizens quick to point out that being second doesn’t exactly mean parity. Jack Tsoi highlighted the glaring gap, noting that KL’s figure was a staggering 337% lower than Singapore’s. Others, like Asher Andrews, couldn’t help but laugh at the “second place” label given the massive difference. Some even joked that KL’s ranking might be about celery, not salaries, poking fun at the disparity.
Many commenters also questioned the method of measurement. Gnoek Lorsh noted that reporting salaries in USD without considering local living costs creates a distorted picture. Stan Lee went further, pointing out that Singapore’s median salary, often cited at around SGD13,000 per month, makes the gap even more glaring and suggests that the comparison may be more about project value or economic headlines than actual worker experience.
Despite the criticism, some Malaysians tried to put a positive spin on the news. Al Haebeeb urged locals to work harder to close the gap, while others simply congratulated KL with a mix of humour and resignation. The discussion also touched on the difference between average and median salaries, with many agreeing that the median would paint a much less flattering picture.
While KL may technically rank second in ASEAN, the reality is that Singapore’s salaries dwarf its neighbour by more than threefold. The ranking may look good on paper, but for everyday Malaysians facing rising living costs, high rent, and daily expenses, the numbers serve as a reminder that the headline is far from the full story.