ARE Malaysians generally said to be happy people?
The ‘Malaysia Happiness Survey’ conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) from September to November 2021 says we are.
According to DOSM’s website, the findings of the survey showed that the Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) score in 2021 was at a happy level of 6.48 (out of the total score of 10).
It is learned that the highest index score recorded was the family component at 7.23, followed by the religion and spiritual component (7.21) and health (6.75).
Other components included the usage of time at a score of 6.72, social participation (6.46), housing and environment (6.39), working life (6.31), education (6.30), public safety (6.28), culture (6.20), emotional experience (6.15), communication facilities (6.14) and income (6.04).
During a random survey conducted by Buletin Mutiara, several individuals, however, felt that things have changed rapidly in recent times and that the findings of the ‘Malaysia Happiness Survey’ may not reflect the real situation now.
Young entrepreneur Muhamad Aimran Naeme said many events have unfolded so fast that the findings of the survey cannot be compared to what is it now.
“Because the cost of living has kept increasing and the income remains the same, many people are facing financial constraints.
“Perhaps, when the survey was conducted, people would have had a much manageable living expense.
“So psychologically, people would be in a more elated mood. One thing everyone must realise, not all who look happy are happy deep inside.
“Some might even be facing depression and they might be suppressing all their problems inside them,” said Muhamad Aimran, 29.
Another respondent, Shaharoon Mohamed, a 61-year-old retiree, said happiness is something that cannot be measured technically.
“Can I ask you something? How do we measure happiness? I feel that it is something qualitative and when you go around asking people, it will be difficult for them to express.
“Happiness is also temporal, and it changes according to our circumstances. For instance, I feel that whenever we have financial stability, we will surely feel happy.
“Moreover, with the price hike in the country, the struggle is real,” Shaharoon added.
Of the same opinion, researcher Dr A. Sujithra Devi said the inflation that has taken place in the country has caused instability in people’s livelihoods.
“How do people manage their finances when their wages remain the same while there is an increase in goods and services?
“People’s level of happiness certainly would have changed now. Maybe a new study would reveal a different outcome,” Dr Sujithra said.
Meanwhile, Pavendran Nair, a 22-year-old student feels there are sufficient facilities in Malaysia, such as good hospitals, malls, recreational parks, a good public transport system as well as free education at government schools.
He feels these factors would have contributed to the good MHI score, even though the happiness level is not always constant.
“We have many opportunities for us to grab, but most of them require a lot of hard work. Moreover, there are many competitors out there.
“I would say that happiness is something temporary.
“Most importantly is whether people are at peace with themselves and whether they like the way they are leading their lives.
“To me, when you have peace, you have happiness. So, peace is the key to happiness,” Pavendran added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Interviewees