TIMES are tough with the cost of living crisis biting deep into the pockets of ordinary Malaysians.
Hence, a consultant paediatrician revealing that she earned in excess of RM60,000 per month has stunned many netizens. The medical specialist identified as Dr Nisa Khalil was speaking to Malaysianpaygap (@MalaysianPAYGAP) which posted a video of a short interview.
Dr Nisa outlined the earning potential in the government sector as well as in private healthcare, noting the massive jump in salaries in the latter. She had started with a basic salary of RM2,500/month when she commenced her medical stint with the government 15 years back.
She advised future medical practitioners to tough it out, especially the rigorous training period where they may have to be on call at hospitals for up to 30 hours straight.
The interviewee also shared her own sacrifices during the internship, revealing she was unable to spend much time with her child due to the long hours.
But the message is clear. Put in the hours and the rewards are there to be reaped.
This is a sample of the comments accompanying the video that has thus far generated 2 million views at the time of writing.
A few wondered just how does one spend such a salary, reflecting the difference between T20, M20 and B40 segments.
While another netizen’s sarcastic comment highlighted the inherent ‘pay gap’.
A few noted that despite her high income, the doctor was inconspicuous and modest in her dressing as exemplified by the thickness of her gold bracelet.
Some netizens highlighted the high income of some other sectors, most notably in the oil and gas (O&G) sector.
Amidst all the gasps of astonishments on certain professionals’ pay brackets, one netizen highlighted the years of study and hard work required for a medic to get to this point.
Another pointed out that the high remuneration was due to supply and demand with medical specialists in certain fields such as paediatric sorely lacking in Malaysia.
A few took the opportunity to highlight the importance of education – by starting one’s academic climb from SPM.
Though there were a few sour grape comments, the message is clear. A good education coupled with steely determination to succeed will bear fruit, not least in vocations where there is a pronounced shortage of specialists.
Don’t envy Dr Nisa. Be like Dr Nisa! – July 4, 2024
