Tackling High Cost of Living in Malaysia: A Strategic Analysis

Authors

  • Nur Adlina Azmi Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA MALAYSIA
  • Aulia Regita Dewi Fitriana Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA MALAYSIA , Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya INDONESIA
  • Nur Hidayahtul Aina Rohsede Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA MALAYSIA
  • Nurezzetty Anthasha Ramden Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA MALAYSIA
  • Fadilah Puteh Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA MALAYSIA

Keywords:

cost of living, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN), strategic thrust

Abstract

Inflation, high housing costs, taxes on goods and services, reduced subsidies, low-income levels, expensive education and healthcare, and dependence on imported goods are all challenges that contribute to the high cost of living in Malaysia. In particular, inflation has been a major factor driving up living expenses over time. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Costs of Living (KPDN) plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. The article used various strategic management techniques like PEST matrix, internal audit matrix, and TOWS matrix to understand the challenges of high cost of living in Malaysia. It also provided valuable recommendations to tackle the problem. The article is helpful in providing insights and solutions to the issue of high cost of living in Malaysia.

References

Bernama (2023). Low Awareness, Limited Digital Financial Literacy Remain Barriers toDFSAdoptionBNM.https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=2177188#:~:text=The%20central%20bank%20noted%20that,among%20Malaysians%20is%20still%20low

Cingano, F. (2014). Trends in income inequality and its impact on economic growth. OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers No. 163.

Chong, R. S. Y. (2022). Direct Selling a Controversial Business Model: Recent Development and Future Research Agenda. Journal of Technology Management and Business, 9(2), 99–115. https://doi.org/10.30880/jtmb.2022.09.02.008

Dabla-Norris, E., Kochhar, K., Suphaphiphat, N., Ricka, F., & Tsounta, E. (2015). Causes and Consequences of Income Inequality: A Global Perspective. IMF Staff Discussion Notes, 15(13), 1. https://doi.org/10.5089/9781513555188.006

Engetou, M. E. (2017). Impact of Insufficient Personnel on Organizational Performance (pp. 1–28)[Thesis]. Centria Universtity of Applied Science.

Friedline, T., Chen, Z., & Morrow, S. (2020). Families’ financial stress & wellbeing: The importance of the economy and economic environments. Journal of Family and Economic, 2021(42), 34–51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-020-09694-9

Gorfinkel, I., & Lexchin, J. R. (2023). Cost-of-living challenges highlight urgency for clinicians to prescribe affordable medications. Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, 69(9), 599-600. https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6909599

Halim, H., Astuty, P., & Hubeis, M. (2022). Effect of Inflation, Consumption Credit on Purchase Power of the Community. International Research Journal of Management, IT & Social Sciences, https://doi.org/10.21744/irjmis.v9n2.2049

Hassan, M. S. (2022, July 23). Kuasa beli menurun, harga barang naik. Harian Metro. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://www.hmetro.com.my/utama/2022/07/864528/kuasa-beli-menurun-harga-barang-naik

Iacurci, G. (2023, January 13). School lunch, eggs and airfare: Why inflation soared for 10 items in 2022. CNBC; CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/13/whyinflation-hit-these-10-items-hardest-in-2022.html

Impin, P. D. A., & Kok, S. C. (2021). The Effect of Inflation Rate, Interest Rate and Unemployment Rate on The Economic Growth of Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Business and Economics, 8, 125–140.

Ismail, M. N. (2023, February 6). Rahmah Menu: A noble effort, but not a long-term solution. Astro Awani. Retrieved July 29, 2023, from https://www.astroawani.com/berita-malaysia/rahmah-menu-noble-effort-not-longterm-solution-405269

Jayasooria, D. (2016). Inclusive Development for Urban Poor & Bottom 40% Communities in Malaysia. Institut Kajian Etnik (KITA). https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Issues/Poverty/VisitsContributions/Malaysia/Malaysian_CSO_SDG_Alliance_Annex2.pdf

Kaur, S. (2023, June 13). Malaysia is moving targeted subsidy reforms: Ahmad Maslan. New Straits Times. https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/06/919669/malaysia-moving-ahead-targeted-subsidy-reforms-ahmad-maslan

Konus, A. A. (1939). The problem of the true index of the cost of living. Econometrica, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.2307/1906997

Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. (2023). Enforcement Divison. Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. https://www.kpdn.gov.my/en/corporate-info/department/enforcement-division

Mohamad Azhar, N.A.Z. & Mohd, S. (2020, April 16). Using asset index to reassess poverty in the Northern States of Malaysia: do the poor stay poor? International Journal of Social Economics, 47(4), 483-502. https://www.emerald.com/insight/0306-8293.htm

Murdipi, R., & Law, S. H. (2016). Dynamic Linkages between Price Indices and Inflation in Malaysia. Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, 41–52. https://doi.org/10.17576/jem-2016-5001-04

Naz Harun, H. (2023, August 10). Rafizi: We are trapped in the old model of economy. New StraitsTimes. https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/940855/rafizi-we-are-trapped-old-model-economy

Noh, M. F. (2023). Payung Rahmah bantu B40 tangani isu kos sara hidup. BHarian.Com. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2023/01/1049015/payung-rahmah-bantu-b40-tangani-isu-kos-sara-hidup

Potter, B. H., & Diamond, J. (1999). Guidelines for Public Expenditure Management. International Monetary Fund.

Sabstu, J. (2014). Kenaikan Kos Sara Hidup, Kesan Kepada Rakyat. Maktab Koperasi Malaysia Cawangan Selatan, 15-19

Siddiqi, T. (2023, February 21). Cost Of Living In Malaysia For Expats. William Russell. Retrieved November 3, 2023, from https://www.william-russell.com/blog/expat-cost-of-living-malaysia/

The Star Online. (2023, September 22). Malaysia’s inflation rate unchanged at 2% in August 2023. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/09/22/malaysia039s-inflation-rate-unchanged-at-2-in-august-2023#:~:text=On%20core%20inflation%2C%20DoSM%20said,rate%20of%20two%20per%20cent.

World Bank Group. (2022, June). Aspirations Unfulfilled: Malaysia’s Cost of Living Challenges. Global Knowledge & Research Hub in Malaysia, 1-104. https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/175101597160321052/pdf/Aspirations-Unfulfilled-Malaysias-Cost-of-Living-Challenges.pdf

Yaacob, N. F. (2020). Anggota penguat kuasa KPDNHEP di Malaysia masih tidak mencukupi. Sinarharian.Com. https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/94358/berita/nasional/anggota-penguat-kuasa-kpdnhep-di-malaysia-masih-tidak-mencukupi

Yusof, N., Nin, L. F., Md Kamal, H. K., Ahmad Taslim, J. R., & Zainoddin, A. I. (2021). Factors that Influence the Inflation Rate in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v11-i9/10838

Downloads

Published

2024-08-05

How to Cite

Nur Adlina Azmi, Aulia Regita Dewi Fitriana, Nur Hidayahtul Aina Rohsede, Nurezzetty Anthasha Ramden, & Fadilah Puteh. (2024). Tackling High Cost of Living in Malaysia: A Strategic Analysis . Journal of Administrative Science, 20(2), 179–206. Retrieved from https://journal.uitm.edu.my/ojs/index.php/JAS/article/view/2537