Singaporeans question a new report naming their city one of the world’s happiest — some even say Malaysia is better off.
Singaporeans are expressing strong dissatisfaction after the city-state was ranked the third happiest city in the world by the Happy City Index — trailing only Copenhagen and Zurich.
Rather than celebrating the global recognition, local netizens responded with sarcasm, disbelief, and frustration. In contrast, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, both Malaysian cities, were ranked significantly lower — at 167 and 183 respectively.
But for many Singaporeans, the ranking doesn’t reflect their day-to-day reality.
“Who did you even ask?” one user questioned. “Ask anyone on the streets of Singapore — we’re exhausted, burnt out, and clinging to whatever’s left of our souls after work.”
A number of commenters painted vivid images of daily struggles — from being crammed into the MRT like sardines, to enduring relentless pressure at work, late-night messages from bosses, and skyrocketing living costs. One user mockingly said, “If Singapore is the third happiest city, then I must be the happiest person alive.”
“Let me sleep 12 hours, touch my CPF, and get a salary raise that beats GST — then maybe I’ll consider being happy,” another quipped.
Some netizens went a step further, claiming Malaysia offers a happier life. They cited lower costs of living, access to cheaper petrol, and greater day-to-day freedoms — such as lighting fireworks or chewing gum in public.
“People in Malaysia can own multiple cars, enjoy public holidays almost every other week, and pay RM1 for government hospital services,” said one commenter.
Another joked that perhaps only politicians or foreign workers were surveyed, claiming the report felt more like political propaganda than a reflection of lived experiences.
A Malaysian netizen, Mr. Ho, chimed in: “If Singapore is third, Malaysia should be number one. Our hospital charges are RM1, petrol is RM2.05, and we have STR payouts four times a year.”
Despite the backlash, some Singaporeans pushed back against the complaints, reminding others that economic struggles are global. A few even suggested, “If you don’t like it, then leave.”
Source : Tiktok
@benwoahh Knn Singapore is the third happiest country in the world…my ka chng la… #benwhoah #tiktoksg #fyp
♬ original sound - Benwhoah 2.0 - Benwhoah 2.0
By Tarziman — 21 May 2025, 02:38 PM
