Why Young Malaysians Are Bragging About Being Broke

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In the past few years, a surprising trend has emerged among young people across various social media platforms in Malaysia—bragging about being broke and joking about financial struggles.

Gen Zers are proudly proclaiming “I’m broke” through TikTok skits and viral videos with being broke no longer seen as a source of shame.

On the contrary, it has evolved into a relatable badge of honour. It has turned into a unifying symbol bringing millennial and Gen Z generations together in Malaysia’s current economic climate.

Let’s deconstruct what this says about young Malaysian’s relationship with money as well as the growing trend of financial freedom over owning things.

Rise of the “broke and relatable” movement on social media

We have come a long way from a time when flexing flashy brands used to be a thing on social media to a time where bragging about being broke has become the new normal in Malaysia. Whether it’s poking fun at living paycheque to paycheque or posting memes about choosing between bubble tea and petrol, many young Malaysians are finding solidarity in their financial struggle.

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X are increasingly normalising “broke humour,” with creators sharing content that’s painfully relatable—from staying in during the weekend to save money to celebrating “gaji day” like a national holiday.

This shift reflects a deeper generational truth: young adults are growing up in a time of rising living costs in Malaysia, low starting salaries, and economic instability. Instead of pretending otherwise, many are choosing to own it—publicly and humorously.

Inflation, stagnant wages and high living expenses are making survival tough

According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance’s Economic Outlook Report 2025, over the past decade, over 50% of fresh graduates have been drawing a starting salary of below RM 2,000 a month. An individual’s starting salary plays an important role in determining their overall wage and career progression. A low starting pay would not only lead to low wage increments, but also take much longer for working individuals to reach a sufficient level of earnings making it difficult to survive with rising costs of living.

As such, for the younger generations, traditional milestones like buying a house, building an emergency fund or investing early feel increasingly out of reach. As a result, many young Malaysians are simply trying to stay afloat. Instead of quietly struggling, they’re finding comfort and connection in humour—laughing through the stress and turning “being broke” into a relatable, almost therapeutic, part of their everyday conversations.

Is bragging about being broke helping or hurting financial health?

While the trend may appear light-hearted, there’s a deeper underlying question to consider: is normalising being broke actually empowering or does it in some ways downplay the importance of financial planning?

It can be argued that while humour is a great coping mechanism, it should not replace real conversations about money management. Financial literacy continues to remain low in Malaysia, and not everyone joking about being broke is actively budgeting or saving.

That said, many believe the trend opens doors to honest conversations around financial hardships breaking the silence that more often than not surrounds money stress. And, that;’s definitely a step in the right direction. As long as there is a clear understanding of the importance of money management at the heels of this trend, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Being broke doesn’t always mean financial irresponsibility

There is a common misconception that young people who talk about being broke are careless with money but that’s not always the case. Many young Malaysians are, in fact, financially conscious. A 2024 survey by the Etiqa Insurance and Takaful group revealed that the biggest financial fear among Gen Z is not having enough savings. They use the latest fintech tools, budgeting platforms and apps, track expenses, work multiple jobs, and look for discounts or cashback wherever possible. So, the problem is not always poor money management. One of the main issues is that wages have not kept up with inflation in Malaysia. With rent, transport, food, and loan repayments taking up a large portion of Gen Z’s income, very little is left for savings or lifestyle upgrades.

It’s ok to share

Rather than being a reflection of irresponsibility, this “broke and proud” movement is a form of coping and community. Young adults can just be honest about their struggles, share survival tips, and connect through a shared reality. This signals a shift towards transparency, emotional resilience, and financial solidarity—a much-needed antidote to the pressure of always appearing successful.

It is important to remember that financial resilience comes from financial literacy and it’s ok to not have everything figured out. And sometimes, sharing that struggle can bring people closer than flashing cash ever could.