A Malaysian nurse working in Singapore recently sparked a flood of responses online after seeking advice on whether she should take out a loan to help her fiancé buy a car. The post, shared anonymously on the Facebook forum “Muflis Bankrupt di Malaysia,” attracted over 500 comments from users warning her against the idea.
The nurse, who has been working in Singapore for just over a year, explained that her fiancé requested she apply for a loan in her name to purchase a Honda FL5 Type R. He reportedly could not qualify for the loan due to his low salary, despite running a motorcycle-towing business. He assured her that he would repay her in monthly instalments.
She asked the community: “Do I need to proceed with his request?” Considering that a new Honda FL5 Type R can cost up to RM399,900 (around S$126,400), or between RM250,000 and RM300,000 (S$79,000–S$95,000) for a second-hand model, the financial risk is significant.
Warnings from Online Community
The consensus among commenters was clear: do not take the loan. Many pointed out that a partner requesting such a favour is a major red flag. “Looking for another fiancé, early red flag… Even I, a man, don’t agree,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Tomorrow he leaves you, drives your car, and your debt still has to be paid.”
Others urged her to consider her own financial security and future, warning that agreeing could have long-term consequences. One blunt comment simply said, “Don’t be an idiot… that’s my advice,” while another encouraged her to seek a more reliable partner.
The post highlights the importance of financial boundaries in relationships. While supporting a partner is common, taking on large debts on someone else’s behalf can jeopardise personal financial stability. Many netizens advised her to reconsider the engagement if such financial expectations persist.
Financial Lessons for Expats
For Malaysians working in Singapore, navigating personal finances while supporting family or partners can be challenging. Experts often recommend keeping loans and debts strictly personal, especially when dealing with high-ticket purchases like cars or property. Co-signing or taking loans for others can carry serious consequences if repayment fails.
In this case, social media users largely agreed that the safest choice is to prioritise one’s own financial security and avoid risky loans for a partner, even if the relationship seems promising.