Hi all, need some advice. I am a fresh graduate and I just got a job offer in Penang as an electrical consulting engineer with basic salary RM3.75k. I’m actually interested in the consulting line, but the benefits a bit disappointing. HR told me site allowance only start after 30 days (not in the offer letter), mileage claim can, but no OT allowance. Insurance only after probation, and offer letter got “no-show clause” (need to pay 14 days salary if I don’t report after signing). Since I’m from Sabah and have a gf in penang, relocating to Penang with only 3.8k (before allowance) feels quite tight, especially with rental and car loan. At the same time, I am still waiting result (told to wait for 2 weeks) for an Automation Engineer position from a renowned MNC, which I might think have better salary and allowance package. I need to confirm with the offer within 7 days. Guys, I really need some advice....

Have you try asking to negotiate? There's always room for negotiation

Yes i agree with you the offered renumeration package will be tight for you.

My 2cents is give it a pass because like you i will be hesistant.
Trust your instincts bro, most of the time its not wrong.

should at least try negotiating a bit within this period while also waiting for the other offer

also salary under 4k by law gets mandatory OT, so either no OT at all or if OT must pay, i had one friend previously farmed OT pay like hard in his first year cuz salary under the threshold, the manager also ask him to appreciate it cuz once he get raise/promoted past threshold then no more lol

Which job offers better prospect? The first job is a stepping stone. Think long term

At 3.75k salary consider executive so for sure no OT allowance.

What's your expected salary then?

On the contrary, i feel RM3.75k (before allowance) seems quite ok for a fresh grad (assuming this is your first job). I would take up this offer and work for a year and see how it goes. If the company treats me well and the environment is good, I'll stay a bit longer until a better opportunity comes. If the company is thrash, I'll move on after a year.

Most of your complaints are because you will be under probation..
Putting OT issue aside, how keen would you be to join this company?
Fresh grad with 3.7K offer is not a bad deal, the car loan issue is your own commitment.
You mention MNC.. if you confident and want to wait .. or throw the ball to MNC, tell them I cannot wait 2 weeks

Lastly, think bigger and beyond, which company gives you more mileage and looks better in your cv. you will probably not stay here forever so it is a stepping stone for your career.

for a fresh grad better look for better JD which most related and learning.After select you may nego salary
under probation period you may observe , if doesnt match what you look for better move on

fresh grad getting 3.75k I would say it is quite a good start. what is there to complain about? How much you expect to get for fresh grad? 5K?

car loan? so before you got job you bought car?

1) why?
2) if 3.7k fresh grad you cannot survive in penang....you cannot survive anywhere.

3) i know someone who survived in kl 2.6k salary. 2 years ago story. not 1960s story.

4) you need to rethink your priorities

1st
For a fresh graduate, 3.75K MYR not a bad deal here, it is normal for consulting engineer no OT allowance unless you not under an executive position

2nd
review your spendings this save a lot.

3rd
if dont like this package, go Singapore , no need complaints so much because your future decide by yourself not by the forumer here

This post has been edited by deanccs: Sep 24 2025, 06:09 PM

That’s a generous offer for first job right after of graduation and even more in Engineering field. Don’t think too much on the benefits/remuneration at first considering it’s a first job but once you gained enough experience, you’re in a better position to demand a better salary/remuneration

Ur first job? Just accept and try, consider this as an experience. Cherry pick only after u gain enough experience.

3.8k for 1st job is a pretty good deal.

Which Penang consultant give such high salary ?

PenK, PLA, MEI?

Singapore job is best option..

Where is your office located? For me car loan shouldn't be the first thing come to your mind. Take the bus+ Grab or simply bus if your office is located within the bus route. Do not commit because otherwise you cannot have the freedom to achieve your dream job.

Also, check your employment book usually attach with your offer letter, how long do you need to serve under probation period? Usually 2 weeks to 1 month if you are under probation period.

RM3,750.00 is really good for a fresh graduate and you know you are not going to get this much in Sabah.

Few options:

1. Tell them you need more time to revert or

2. Negotiate the salary or

3. Accept the offer (at the same time actively looking for other job of your liking, only do this if your notice period in 2 weeks to 1 month).

You are at advantage since you are earning RM3750.00 already, easy to nego a slightly higher salary.

Then, negotiate with the new company on your reporting date and at the same time serving the old company 2 weeks/ 1 month notice.

But HR will hate you la.

By the way, earning less than RM4,000.00 is entitled to OT.

I'll say take first and if the MNC company want to hire you and you feel there will be better, then resign from this company. You can told that MNC company when you can start working (which is date after you finish serve in current company)

Salary wise, you think market rate is a lot higher than current offering?

you should PASS

i think look for another is better

The 2nd company told you to wait 14 days is most likely considering other candidates. Meaning u are probably not their first choice.
Wat you could try is call or email up 2nd company and express your interest but also inform them you have another enticing offer. See if they can speed up, if they do not then u are very likely spare spare candidate.

For 1st company I think 3.75k ain't too bad for Penang if u maintain a modest lifestyle. Most exec level position has no OT. If you have a good manager they might let u do time off in lieu.

Agreed with you 🙂👍

Ask regarding career growth, hows working life there, go into linkedin and ask those who are working is the same dept. you have 7 days to respond, so much time and you can tell them you will answer at 6th or 7th day.

No point if turnover rate is high due to high stress and no work life balance. However, since this is your first job, I would encourage you to proceed with it first and only jump after 1 year (if really not suit with you, 6 months you should stay there).

Do not commit to any car loan/house loan yet.

Am curious, what is your expected salary for fresh graduate?

> have a gf in penang, relocating to Penang with only 3.8k (before allowance) feels quite tight

I actually dont understand this bit. This should be a + point since your gf is in Penang, and it gives the implication that you would relocate regardless? Still, if you're interested in consulting line, why not tough it out for the first month.

Work out your expenses here, on how it'll be tight, because after kwsp (11%) and tax (annual 800), i assume it'd be somewhere around 3.3-3.4k nett?

Find a way reply first job in 2 weeks time. Plan relocation, family meed consideration .

The pending result an MNC company based where? Penang as well? Suggest to accept the offer, just in case the pending one does not work out. Then react accordingly when the pending result is favourable, continue to explore it as well. This is basically your first job. You're allowed to make one "mistake" of looking not professional by doing short term job hopping.

you will be surprised nowadays many fresh grad does ask for 4-5k range

This. Looks like ts can still claim OT/mileage for site work. Theres also possibility once confirmation, increase another few hundred..

Looks like a pretty good offer to me. Try room renting if the offer is tight.

I would say 3.75K is kind of above the market rate as I still hear people are getting 2.5 or 2.8K nowadays for fresh grad engineer.

Do not get me wrong, I am not against any one getting higher salary. This is just the world we are living in, we need to be realistic.

3.75k before allowance is not bad, especially in Penang.

Don't know how a fresh grad can be a consultant but you can do alot better with other MNCs in pg. Pay range from 4.5k to 5k for fresh grads.

Perhaps the benefits , I compared it to my fellow friends , but also they are in the semicon field and MNC too. In the semicon field can start from 4k and above for fresh graduates.

Yes , one of them

The MNC company is based in KL