KUALA LUMPUR: Salary expectations among Malaysian fresh graduates have sparked a wave of online reactions, with the public urging them to align their expectations with the current job market conditions.
This response follows a TikTok video posted by a local university in which fresh graduates were asked what they considered a fair starting salary after graduation.
The video, which has gone viral on social media, showed that most graduates expected starting salaries in the range of RM2,500 to RM4,000. However, some indicated a salary between RM5,000 and RM6,000, citing their academic achievements, practical skills, and university experiences as justification for these higher figures.
The salary expectations have drawn mixed reactions, with many arguing that fresh graduates should earn no more than RM3,000. Some suggested a minimum salary of RM1,500, given the lack of work experience.
"RM1,500 is enough if you have no experience. Work for a year first, then you'll get an increment," one user commented.
Another added that the graduates are still 'dreaming'. "Watch this video again after you have landed a job. Reality is not as good as your dreams," said the user.
Despite the criticism, several working professionals offered empathetic responses, sharing their own financial challenges and acknowledging the rising cost of living in recent years.
"It is possible to reach that salary, but you will likely need to switch companies to earn above RM3,000," said one user.
Another wrote: "Sad to see the negative comments. To all fresh graduates, do not worry. My starting salary after graduation was RM4,600. Do not underestimate yourself - you've got this!"
The video has also garnered around 315.7K views on social media at the time of writing.