The primary motivation for many Malaysians to relocate abroad is straightforward: to forge a better future for themselves and to improve prospects for forthcoming generations. Yet, comprehending the true value of these endeavors for our compatriots residing overseas can sometimes elude us until someone provides a firsthand account highlighting the stark contrasts between our homeland and another country.

Renowned Malaysian content creator and digital marketer, Zatul Iffah, shares insights into her life in Melbourne, Australia, where she currently resides with her family. Through her TikTok platform @zatul.iffah, Iffah recently garnered significant attention by showcasing the substantial amount of groceries she could purchase with just AUD50 (roughly RM155).

In her video, Iffah meticulously lists the array of items she acquired, illustrating a bounty of groceries acquired with the given amount:

• Turmeric: AUD1
• Grapes: AUD1
• Ground beef (1 kilogram): AUD10
• Fish (2 kilograms): AUD10
• Peaches: AUD1.80
• Bananas (one bunch): AUD1.50
• Kiwis (six): AUD2.40
• Sweet potatoes: AUD1
• Oyster sauce: AUD7.80
• Cabbage (half): AUD1
• Spinach: AUD1
• Salad leaves: AUD2
• Kuey teow (one packet): AUD3.50
• Tom yam paste (one bottle): AUD4.70

This revelation stirred widespread astonishment online, with many expressing disbelief at the affordability of groceries in Melbourne with just AUD50, juxtaposed against the challenge of acquiring a comparable quantity with RM50 in Malaysia.

"In Malaysia, RM50 might barely cover a bag of rice and some eggs," one user humorously remarked.

However, others pointed out that the contrast may diminish upon converting the currency to Malaysian Ringgit. Notably, one user highlighted that with RM150, equivalent to AUD50 after conversion, one could potentially procure an equivalent or even greater quantity of groceries than Iffah's purchase.

Yet, numerous Malaysians contested this perspective, arguing against the need for conversion as Iffah's intention was to illustrate the purchasing power disparity. Purchasing power, they emphasized, refers to the quantity of goods and services attainable with a given currency unit.

"Some fail to grasp the fundamental concept of currency comparison. Here, the aim is to contrast what AUD50 can yield in Australia against what RM50 could secure in Malaysia. Avoid converting Australian Dollars to Malaysian Ringgit," one user asserted.

Watch here:

@zatul.iffah Jom habiskan $50 dengan sayaaaa. #migrate #australia ♬ original sound - Iffah 🇦🇺