‘I regret becoming a Singaporean’: Former Malaysian citizen, now a PHV driver in Singapore, says, because in SG, ‘I'll have to work until I die’ - Featured News
https://theindependent.sg/i-regret-becoming-a-singaporean-former-malaysian-citizen-now-a-phv-driver-in-singapore-says-because-in-sg-ill-have-to-work-until-i-die/
Full Story: Regret Over Switching to Singapore Citizenship
Source: The Independent SG, Jan 26, 2026
The Driver’s Story
A former Malaysian citizen, now working as a private-hire (PHV) driver in Singapore, told a passenger he deeply regrets giving up his Malaysian citizenship. His blunt assessment: “In Singapore, I’ll have to work until I die.”
He explained:
- Soaring costs & endless grind: Even with citizenship, daily expenses keep rising, making retirement feel impossible. He works long hours with no end in sight.
- Partial safety net: His wife kept her Malaysian passport, so they could retire in Malaysia later—but that’s not a full fix.
- Unchangeable future for kids: Their two children were born Singaporeans, so they must serve National Service, tying them permanently to Singapore.
Scale of the Trend
- 6,060 Malaysians renounced their citizenship for Singapore in the first half of 2025 alone.
- Over 97,000 total have done so since 2015; the official figure reached 98,318 up to June 2025.
- 2024 saw the highest annual number: 16,930 people.
The Passenger’s Warning
The passenger posted the story on Reddit (r/malaysia, now deleted) and advised:
- Think very carefully before giving up Malaysian citizenship.
- Singapore offers better pay, but Malaysia has more space, land options, a slower pace, and no compulsory NS.
- Treat Singapore as a place to earn money—not a permanent home.
Public Reaction
- Some sympathized with his struggle. Others were harsh: “Giving up Malaysian citizenship for Singapore is the dumbest thing you can do, if you understand rights and assets.”
- Many noted: Citizenship brings rights but does not shield you from burnout, cost pressures, or unmet expectations .
Core Trade-Offs Highlighted
✅ Pros of Singapore: Higher earning potential, stability, safety, strong passport, better opportunities for some.
❌ Cons: Far higher cost of living (housing ~5–6× pricier than Malaysia), dense living, mandatory NS for sons, harder to slow down or retire early.
Key Takeaway
Switching citizenship is permanent and irreversible—and the full weight of that choice often becomes clear only years later, when initial hopes meet long-term reality .