May 29, 2025
GEORGE TOWN – With the rising cost of living amid global economic uncertainty, many Malaysians are now more thrifty, spending only on special occasions even for their looks.
Accounts assistant Candy Loh, 31, indulges in haircare and manicures only when there is something worth celebrating.
“I dyed my hair and got a manicure because my close friend is getting married. I want to look my best for her big day.
“Otherwise, the only other time I treat myself like this was during Chinese New Year. Even then, I searched for salons offering discounts before booking an appointment.
“It’s just too expensive these days, and I have financial commitments,” she said when met at a salon in Prangin Mall here.
Earning less than RM3,000 a month, Loh said her income could barely cover essential expenses.
She has to pay rent, car instalments, utility bills, petrol, food and also give some money to her parents.
“There is hardly anything left after that,” she said.
“The prices of daily necessities, especially food, have gone up. Since I do not have time to cook, I eat out a lot, which adds to my expenses.
“A few years ago, I could save around RM400 to RM500 each month, but now it’s nearly impossible.
“I just try to put aside whatever little I can, especially for things like car servicing,” Loh added.
With her growing list of financial obligations, Loh said she could no longer afford skincare and wellness products.
For the past two years, lawyer M. Saraswathy, 36, has scaled back on facial, manicure and wellness products.
She used to go for a facial every three weeks when it was just RM140 to RM160 per treatment.
Now, it costs RM240 to RM260 per treatment.
“In this economy, splurging like that just does not feel right,” she said.
Saraswathy now limits herself to a facial every three months and saves manicures for special occasions. Even her supplement purchases have changed.
“I used to stock up on popular branded supplements. Now, I look for products with the same ingredients that are on promotion or offer better value,” she added.
Although Saraswathy’s income has increased over the years, she admits that her savings take a hit whenever she indulges in personal care.
“Previously, I could save up to RM1,500 a month, even with regular facials and self-care. But if I treat myself now, my savings drop below RM1,000.
“These days, the only things I spend freely on are food and good quality groceries,” she said.
Optical shop manager Grace Poh, 49, only does her hair and nails at a friend’s salon, where she gets a discount.
“Even then, I only go about twice a year. Manicure and pedicure are a Chinese New Year treat for me, as spending over RM100 on nails alone these days just does not make sense.
“That money can go towards paying my bills,” she said.
Poh pointed out that items like shampoo and home hair treatment have become pricey.
She now waits for discounts before buying them online.
However, Poh does not compromise on skincare.
“I cannot imagine spending hundreds on a single facial session. I would rather invest in quality skincare that lasts for months.
“It’s more practical and still allows me to care for my skin within budget,” she said.
Poh still takes supplements but sticks to basic vitamins for now.
She has also adopted a healthier lifestyle to avoid unnecessary health costs, which helps her save a few hundred ringgit each month.
Even so, her savings have taken a dive.
“I used to save about RM800 a month. Now, I can only manage RM300 to RM400,” she said, adding that she occasionally treats herself to a new blouse or outfit.