RM1600 is about the standard wage that some office i know would offer a fresh grad civil engineer. it used to be less than 1500 about 5 years ago, especially when we're just starting to climb back slowly from the last recession.

i'd say, with zero exp, just take what u've got. dont sign a contract for more than a year (if any). after a year, get out, look for a new firm. make sure it's either exactly a year, or slightly more. never less.

when applying to this new firm, u'll be applying as a not-so-fresh civil engineer with 1 year exp. that'll get u extra 150 or so. job hop until u're ready to settle down. . just make sure each job lasts a year.

do u know that there are more graduates than job available right now?

employers have more than enough supply of workers applying for job every year. and u want them all to demand higher wage? these are fresh grads! why would the office wanna pay high salary for zero experience?