Each weekday, 36-year-old Mohd Aminurashid Ali Akbar starts his day at 4:30 am, leaving his home in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, to head to work in Sing
Each weekday, 36-year-old Mohd Aminurashid Ali Akbar starts his day at 4:30 am, leaving his home in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, to head to work in Singapore. By 6 am, he’s across the border, ready to begin his shift at 8 am for a Singapore-based shipping and marine company. Though challenging, this daily routine has helped him achieve a stable future, allowing him to own three properties in Malaysia and plan for an early retirement.
Aminurashid initially worked in a Malaysian palm oil mill, earning around RM700 (S$200), before moving to Singapore, where his pay increased significantly to S$950. With further education at Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education (ITE), he managed to boost his salary even more.
Despite the career progress, he acknowledges the sacrifices, particularly the impact on his family life. He often clocks out around 6:45 pm, reaching home after dark. The distance was felt acutely during the pandemic when he couldn’t return home for long stretches, missing precious time with his wife and three daughters, including one with autism. With retirement within reach and passive income from renting out two properties, he looks forward to dedicating more time to family life.
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