In Kulim, Malaysia, rising living costs are negatively impacting factory workers while the semiconductor sector sees substantial investments. Recruiter Azmin reveals that job demand is insufficient, and skyrocketing housing prices are making life harder for locals. Despite the area’s transformation into a tech hub, many feel disconnected from its economic benefits.
In the heart of what many call ‘Silicon Malaysia’, spiraling living costs are causing significant concerns for residents, particularly factory workers in Kulim. Despite ambitious investments in the technology sector, those working in semiconductor factories are struggling as expenses, especially for housing, continue to rise. This situation has left many feeling disillusioned as the reality diverges from government portrayals of thriving economic transformation.
At a local café near Kulim’s extensive industrial zone, Azmin, a recruiter in the booming semiconductor industry, highlights a contrasting narrative. He has observed a significant drop in recruitment activity, stating, “We haven’t had much demand lately. The last round of recruitment we handled was a few months ago for 20 people at a smaller factory.” His concerns grow as he sees the promises of job creation wane.
While government officials boast about the booming sector, Azmin’s experience suggests otherwise. Real estate prices have surged alarmingly, a consequence of development that has transformed former farmland into industrial landscapes. Azmin recalls purchasing a home for 95,000 ringgit (approximately US$22,100) a decade ago; today, similar properties are listed for at least 300,000 ringgit, making home ownership feel unattainable for many.
The Kulim Hi-Tech Park, which was established 30 years ago, has attracted numerous global tech giants, thereby altering the local economic landscape. Built on cleared farmland, the park was originally designed to support Penang’s semiconductor boom. Azmin’s family, hailing from Penang, understood the park’s potential early on. Major companies, such as AT&S and Infineon, have since made significant investments, with Infineon recently pledging €5 billion (US$5.6 billion) to enhance its operations.
Despite the presence of these global players and their substantial financial commitments, the day-to-day reality for many residents starkly contrasts this optimism. High land values, driven by speculations bolstered by industrial growth, have turned life in Kulim into a financial balancing act for its workforce. Ultimately, while the local economy may be booming on paper, for the ordinary workers, the escalating costs are making it hard to keep up with their daily needs.
The stories of individuals like Azmin underscore the challenges faced by many in what is heralded as a technological hub. The rapid transformation of Kulim has indeed attracted investment, yet many question if they will ever see the full benefits of this industrial awakening, given the ever-increasing cost of living.
In summary, while the transformation of Kulim into a semiconductor hub appears promising from a distance, the escalating living costs, particularly in housing, are creating a significant burden for local workers. The gap between government narratives of economic growth and the actual experiences of residents like Azmin raises critical concerns about the sustainability of such promises. The reality for many remains a struggle to navigate the high cost of living amidst the waves of investment in the region.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
