KUALA LUMPUR: High demand for roti canai makers in Singapore has led to recruiters placing ads in Malaysian papers.
A recent ad in New Straits Times for a roti canai maker vacancy offered a salary of RM5,000.
"Salary RM5,000 and above, Prayer room, accommodation and meals provided," stated on ad listing published today.
There are numerous job postings offering high salaries for skilled workers, with no requirement for higher education certificates.
Some advertisements even include additional perks like hostel accommodation and free meal allowances.
While the enticing salary may grab the public's interest as a lucrative opportunity, a local restaurant association warns that it may not adequately cover the cost of living abroad.
Restaurant and Bistro Owners Association vice-president Jeremy Lim said while the salary may seem competitive, it may not afford a comfortable lifestyle overseas.
"The salary offered is actually not luxurious and somehow challenging for the expat to make a living.
"Rental of a room alone can be anywhere from six hundred to eight hundred dollars. Then your daily expenses and travelling transport will cost you more.
"The offered salary may sound substantial in ringgit terms, but when converted to Singapore dollars and considering the cost of living on the island, it might not provide the desired quality of life," he told NST.
However, he added that it could not be denied that Malaysia was losing its culinary talents to neighbouring countries, which is particularly evident in Johor.
"Retaining talent in Malaysia is increasingly challenging, especially in the food and beverage and retail sectors.
"Opportunities across the causeway are enticing talent away from Malaysia, driven not only by salary but also by the broader range of opportunities available."