Introduction: A new trend takes root in Malaysia
Across several high-cost cities in Malaysia, a growing number of university graduates find themselves stranded between sky‑high rents and a shrinking pool of high‑skilled jobs. The result is a phenomenon some experts are calling the “Kangaroo Tribe”—a generation that hops between modest gigs and family support, leaning on aging parents far longer than previous cohorts. This is not just an economic curiosity; it reflects a wider crisis in housing affordability, wage growth, and youth employment that could shape Malaysian society for years to come.
What is driving the Kangaroo Tribe in Malaysia?
The term captures three intertwined pressures: escalating living costs, a tight job market for graduates, and the mismatch between what recent graduates study and what the economy needs. In many urban areas, rents are rising faster than entry‑level salaries, leaving new workers with little left after housing, transport, and basic necessities. Meanwhile, graduates with degrees in competitive fields like engineering, IT, and finance often face fierce competition for positions that match their expectations and qualifications.
Some sectors are hiring, but the opportunities tend to be concentrated in a few metro hubs. For graduates who lack professional networks or who must relocate far from home, the path to financial independence can stretch into years. The result is a practical choice: stay at home, save what you can, and pursue experiences that might eventually lead to stable, high‑skill employment.
Who is most affected?
Young adults fresh from universities are the primary face of this trend, but it also affects families who become a de facto safety net. Parents who previously expected their children to emerge into self‑reliance may now juggle retirement plans with supporting adult offspring. In households where multiple generations live under one roof, caregivers and elders can experience added emotional and financial strain. This isn’t unique to Malaysia—similar patterns appear in several rich economies—but the local pace and scale are notable.
Economic underpinnings: costs, wages, and housing
Housing affordability is a central piece of the puzzle. In major cities, even two‑bedroom rentals can be prohibitively expensive for a single entry‑level salary. For graduates who carry student debt or repayment obligations, the monthly budget becomes razor-thin. Even when graduates secure salaries that reflect their education, the total compensation package may struggle to cover living costs amid rising inflation and price levels for food, transport, and utilities.
Beyond housing, the job market has evolved. Employers increasingly prize experience and practical skills, while new entrants without a strong professional network or internship record can find themselves stuck in temporary or low‑paid roles. The result is not just income stagnation, but a potential delay in wealth-building milestones such as saving for a home purchase, retirement planning, or investing in further training.
Policy responses: what could change the trajectory?
Experts suggest a multi‑pronged approach. First, targeted housing relief for graduates and first‑time renters could ease the upfront burden of moving into work. Second, expanding high‑skill apprenticeships, vocational tracks, and industry‑university partnerships may shorten the time to meaningful, well‑paid employment. Third, updating student‑loan structures and repayment terms could reduce the monthly stress on graduates still finding their footing.
Local governments and the private sector can also invest in affordable co‑housing or micro‑apartments designed for young professionals. Such solutions would keep living costs contained while preserving the flexibility new workers need. Additionally, stronger protections for interns and early‑career workers—paired with clearer pathways to permanent roles—could help graduates transition from temporary gigs to sustainable careers.
Looking ahead: can Malaysia avert long‑term consequences?
Without concerted action, the Kangaroo Tribe phenomenon could slow broader social and economic progress. When graduates delay independent living, it can affect consumer demand, housing markets, and even family dynamics. On the flip side, smart investments in housing, education‑to‑employment pipelines, and wage growth could unlock a more dynamic youth economy where new graduates quickly contribute to growth and innovation.
For Malaysia, the challenge is not merely about immediate affordability but about building an ecosystem where young talent can thrive—without sacrificing family support or compromising future security. The coming years will test whether policymakers, businesses, and communities can turn this risk into a catalyst for reform and resilience.
