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Ms Melati Hashim allocates around RM20,000 (S $ 6,550) a year for overseas vacations, but travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic have seen her squander in other ways.
The 31-year-old insurance agent now buys things she never would have considered before, as comfort from not being able to travel.
“I use the money to buy things that I normally consider a ‘waste’. The most ridiculous thing I have bought so far is a hair salon, which costs RM 2,100, and some makeup,” he said.
“I also thought about buying a new car, since mine is very old, but that would mean having to commit to a five or seven year rental loan.
“So I decided to dine at some of the restaurants that I had always wanted to try, and also bought a new iPhone 11 Pro Max to replace my seven-year-old phone.”
Malaysians’ love of travel has caused national and international tourism to grow steadily over the years.
Last year, residents here spent RM44.8 billion on vacations abroad, compared to RM31.1 billion in 2015.
Domestic tourism spending was RM92.6 billion last year.
Malaysia remains in the recovery phase of its Movement Control Order (MCO) until December 31, during which the majority of social and economic activities have been allowed to resume, with safe measures in place.
Although interstate travel in Malaysia has been allowed since June 10, many tourists remain cautious when traveling amid a pandemic.
The country’s borders have been closed to international travelers since March, and those who are allowed to fly into the country must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Unable to scratch the desire to travel, would-be tourists have dipped into their travel funds to indulge various whims.
They’ve bought everything from portable pools and picnic tarps for outdoor activities with kids, to jewel-adorned face masks and quirky items like an 18-karat gold bookmark.
Freelance writer and avid traveler Hajar Hakim splurged on local entertainment and parties.
“I bought things during the MCO that I wouldn’t have bought otherwise,” said the 42-year-old mother of two.
“I bought a Nintendo Switch for the kids, and I just bought an Android projector for my son because I don’t want him to watch Netflix or YouTube on the phone, tablet or television because I heard that the projector is better for the eyes.”
She added, “I also bought a freezer, pressure cooker, and steam grill.”
The central bank said Malaysians spent RM10.2 billion domestically via credit card in July, almost double the RM5.3 billion in April.
This also shows that the level of spending on credit cards has returned to almost the same level last year.
Auto sales rose 1.7 percent year-on-year in July, showing a rebound from June’s 4.5 percent decline.
Perodua reported 23,203 cars were sold in July, triple May’s sales, while Proton’s July sales figure was the highest in eight years.
Both local brands are the most popular car brands in Malaysia.
When asked if she sees herself re-channeling her travel expenses, Ms Melati said: “I would actually rather splurge on vacation than go shopping, but as there are no signs that Covid-19 is going away anytime soon Maybe I just keep treating myself like this. “
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