Making changes: Muhammad Aizat (left) may go for a trip but with a smaller budget, while Noel may consider other affordable options.
JOHOR BARU: With the increase in the cost of living, many here are looking into ways to cut down on non-essential spending, including travel.
Civil servant Carlson Siew, 31, said he had to postpone his plans to go on vacation this year due to all-around increases in prices.
“With everything increasing in price lately, it has become very difficult for me to set aside money for other things.
“Previously, I could probably save up at least RM400 from my monthly salary, but now, saving even RM200 is difficult.
“I need to know my priorities, and for the time being, travelling is something I have decided to postpone,” he said.
“I do miss going on vacation with my family and friends, especially after two years of living with many restrictions due to Covid-19.
“I still plan to do so someday, hopefully next year, but now is definitely not the right time,” he said.
Meanwhile, content moderator Muhammad Aizat Amir, 27, said he was still planning to go on a trip with his friends at the end of this year, but on a smaller budget.
“I still want to go on a vacation as it has been years since I did so. However, I also need to be more selective of the places I go and make sure that it is within my means.
“Instead of travelling to popular tourist destinations that may cost more, I have decided to look into options in rural areas.
“There are many hidden gems in rural areas as well, and if we take the time to search, we may be able to find them,” he said.
He added that he was planning to travel to states such as Kelantan and Terengganu by the end of the year.
Teacher Noel Sereno Sean, 27, said he was still contemplating whether he should go ahead with plans to travel to Vietnam this year with his colleagues.
“The plan was made early this year at a time when we had yet to feel the pinch of the increased cost of living.
“However, things have changed now and we need to reconsider our plans. We will see how things go first, and may consider other more affordable options,” he said.