When Jobs Disappear, Prices Rise, Businesses Struggle and Even the Air We Breathe Becomes a Concern
By Dr. Amarjeet Singh @ AJ
October 2026 | Malaysia
INTRODUCTION: THE STRUGGLES WE DON'T ALWAYS SEE
We wake up every morning hoping for a better tomorrow.
A father leaves home for work, hoping his salary will be enough to support his family.
A mother visits the supermarket, carefully calculating what she can afford to put into her shopping basket.
A young graduate sends out another ten job applications, hoping someone will finally call.
A restaurant owner opens his doors, wondering whether enough customers will walk in today to cover the rent, salaries and electricity bills.
An older employee, after giving 25 years of loyalty to a company, suddenly hears the words, "We are restructuring."
And somewhere, a small child asks why the family no longer goes out for dinner as often as before.
These are not merely economic statistics.
These are the lives of ordinary people. These are our neighbours, our friends, our families and perhaps even ourselves.
We often hear politicians, economists and business leaders discussing GDP growth, investment figures, productivity, digital transformation and the future economy.
But the common man asks a much simpler question:
"Will I still have my job tomorrow, and will I have enough money to feed my family?"
That is the question we must not ignore.
1. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: IS YOUR JOB SAFE TOMORROW?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is no longer something we watch in science fiction movies.
It is here, and it is changing how companies operate.
Administrative work, customer enquiries, bookkeeping, marketing content, data analysis and even certain professional services can now be completed faster with AI-assisted systems.
Businesses are looking at automation to reduce operating costs and increase productivity.
But what happens to the people whose jobs are affected?
Imagine being 48 years old, having worked in administration for 20 years, and suddenly discovering that your company needs fewer people to perform the same work.
You have a housing loan. Your children are still studying. Your parents may depend on you.
Where do you begin?
We have heard alarming reports about redundancies and job losses, including claims involving hundreds of thousands of workers.
One figure circulating is 260,000 people being made redundant. However, we must be careful about accepting such figures without understanding the country, period and definition involved. This number should not be presented as Malaysia's confirmed 2026 retrenchment total without verification.
The important issue is that jobs are changing, certain roles are disappearing, and workers need to prepare for new demands.
AI is not the only cause of job losses. Business closures, restructuring, economic pressures, declining demand and changes in operating models also contribute.
My advice is simple: Do not wait until your job disappears before learning something new.
The future belongs not only to those who know technology, but also to those willing to learn, adapt and continuously add value.
2. THE RISING COST OF LIVING: WHEN RM100 NO LONGER FEELS LIKE RM100
Walk into a supermarket today.
Look at the price of vegetables, eggs, fish, chicken, rice, cooking oil and household essentials.
Now compare what you are spending with what you spent a few years ago.
For many families, the difference is painful.
We hear that inflation is moderating. But lower inflation does not necessarily mean prices are falling. It may simply mean that prices are increasing more slowly.
For ordinary families, what matters is how much money remains after paying for necessities.
A family earning RM5,000 monthly may still be struggling after paying for housing, transportation, school expenses, food, insurance and utilities.
Some households have two incomes but very little left at the end of the month.
And we must remember that not everyone earns RM5,000.
What about the security guard?
The cleaner?
The waiter?
The retired couple living on savings?
The single mother raising three children?
For them, even a small increase in weekly expenses can make a real difference.
We need to change how we manage our money without losing our dignity or happiness.
Cook at home more frequently. Compare prices. Reduce unnecessary subscriptions. Plan purchases rather than shopping impulsively.
But do not make life entirely about cutting expenses.
A family meal at home, laughter around the dining table and time spent together can be more valuable than an expensive evening outside.
Living within our means should not mean living without joy.
3. RESTAURANTS ARE STRUGGLING: THE EMPTY TABLES TELL A STORY
Have you noticed some restaurants becoming quieter?
Restaurants that once had queues may now have empty tables during periods that used to be busy.
Customers are becoming more selective.
Some share meals. Some skip drinks. Others eat at home before going out.
Many families who previously ate outside several times a week are reconsidering their spending.
Now consider the restaurant operator.
Rent must still be paid. Employees need their salaries. Electricity, gas, raw materials, licences and maintenance costs continue.
The business owner cannot simply reduce all these expenses because fewer people walk through the door.
And when a restaurant closes, the consequences extend beyond the owner.
To restaurant operators, I would say: Do not simply wait for customers to return.
Review your menu, pricing, portion sizes and food wastage.
Offer affordable family meals, lunch promotions and takeaway options.
Strengthen relationships with regular customers.
Use digital marketing effectively and understand why customers are choosing your competitors.
Most importantly, maintain food quality, cleanliness and genuine hospitality.
To customers, support your neighbourhood businesses when you can afford to.
A simple meal at a local restaurant helps sustain employment and the local economy.
A business is not merely a cash register. It represents families and livelihoods.
4. THE HAZE: EVEN THE AIR WE BREATHE IS AFFECTING OUR LIVES
Now we have another concern: the haze.
People are worried about outdoor activities, their children, elderly parents and those with respiratory illnesses.
When air quality deteriorates, the effects go beyond health.
Outdoor restaurants may lose customers.
Tourism activities may be cancelled.
Construction and outdoor work can be disrupted.
Families may stay indoors instead of visiting parks, attractions or recreational facilities.
Tourist destinations may experience reduced spending, affecting hotels, food outlets, transport operators and small traders.
For the ordinary person, the response must be practical.
Monitor the Air Pollutant Index (API).
5. GLOBAL UNCERTAINTY: WHY EVENTS FAR AWAY AFFECT OUR DAILY LIVES
Many people ask why events happening thousands of kilometres away should concern Malaysians.
The answer is simple.
We live in an interconnected world.
Wars, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, shipping disruptions, fuel prices and currency fluctuations can affect the cost of goods and services in Malaysia.
When international shipping becomes more expensive, importers may face higher costs.
When energy prices rise, transportation and production costs can increase.
When global businesses become cautious, investment decisions and hiring plans may be delayed.
And when consumers become uncertain about the future, they may reduce spending.
The effects eventually reach the ordinary household.
We may not understand every international conflict or economic policy, but we should understand how these developments can affect our livelihoods.
What happens beyond our borders can eventually influence what we pay at our neighbourhood shops.
This is why awareness matters.
We should not panic over every international headline.
Instead, we should understand the risks, avoid unnecessary financial commitments and prepare for possible changes.
6. KNOW YOUR SURROUNDINGS: AWARENESS IS A SURVIVAL SKILL
We cannot afford to live without understanding what is happening around us.
Not because we should be frightened every day.
But because awareness gives us time to prepare.
Being informed does not mean believing every WhatsApp message, sensational headline or frightening social media post.
It means asking questions, checking reliable sources, speaking to people who understand the issues and thinking before acting.
We should know what is happening in our country, our industry, our neighbourhood and our own household.
A person who understands the surroundings can prepare for change. A person who ignores change may find it arriving unexpectedly at the doorstep.
7. WHAT CAN THE COMMON MAN ACTUALLY DO?
We cannot control the world economy, international conflicts, inflation, technological disruption or environmental conditions.
But we can take greater control of our preparation, decisions and daily habits.
Here are seven practical steps.
First: Understand Your Finances
Know exactly how much money comes into your household and how much goes out.
Separate essential expenses from optional spending.
Avoid taking on unnecessary debts simply to maintain a lifestyle.
Second: Build an Emergency Fund
Start saving whatever you can afford.
Even RM5 or RM10 saved consistently can help establish financial discipline.
The long-term objective should be to build a financial cushion capable of covering several months of essential expenses.
Third: Learn One New Skill
It could be AI, digital marketing, customer service, sales, communication, technical skills or business management.
Do not stop learning because you have completed school, university or professional qualifications.
Fourth: Explore Additional Income Opportunities
Consider freelancing, consulting, tutoring, small-scale services or other legitimate opportunities that match your capabilities.
However, avoid borrowing heavily or investing money you cannot afford to lose.
Fifth: Stay Informed
Understand what is happening in your industry, community and the wider economy.
Use reliable information rather than rumours.
Sixth: Strengthen Your Relationships
Spend meaningful time with family and maintain relationships with friends and neighbours.
A strong personal network can provide emotional support, information and opportunities during difficult periods.
Seventh: Protect Your Health
Manage your diet, exercise regularly, sleep adequately and attend appropriate medical check-ups.
Financial problems are difficult enough without preventable health complications.
Physical and mental well-being must remain priorities.
The purpose of these steps is not to create more pressure.
It is to remind us that small actions, taken consistently, can help us through uncertain times.
8. WE MUST ALSO CHANGE HOW WE TREAT ONE ANOTHER
This is perhaps the most important part of my sharing.
When a person loses a job, we sometimes hear remarks such as:
"Why didn't you save enough?"
"At your age, finding another job will be difficult."
"You should have planned better."
But do we really understand what that person is going through?
A person can be hardworking, qualified, experienced and responsible, yet still lose employment because of decisions beyond their control.
A business owner can work 14 hours a day and still struggle because customers are spending less.
A graduate can have excellent academic results and still find it difficult to secure that first opportunity.
Before judging someone, understand their circumstances.
If you know of a job opportunity, share it.
If you can introduce someone to a potential client, do so.
If a small business provides good service, recommend it.
If an elderly neighbour needs assistance during the haze, check on them.
We speak so much about economic growth, technology and development.
But what is the value of progress if we lose our compassion along the way?
Sometimes people do not need a lecture. They need someone who understands, someone who listens and someone willing to lend a helping hand.
9. TOMORROW IS UNCERTAIN, BUT WE MUST NOT LOSE HOPE
I have always believed that life is a journey of continuous learning, adjustment and resilience.
We may not always have the perfect job.
We may not always have enough money to enjoy every luxury.
Our businesses may experience difficult months.
Our plans may not always work out.
But as long as we are willing to learn, adapt, support one another and remain disciplined, we have reasons to keep moving forward.
There is no guarantee that every challenge will disappear quickly.
But there is strength in preparation, knowledge, relationships and community.
Dr. Amarjeet Singh @ AJ
Business Consultant | Strategist | Trainer | Writer
Sharing thoughts on life, business, society, leadership and the challenges faced by ordinary Malaysians.
"Learn. Adapt. Improve. Support. Together, we can build a better tomorrow."
Amarjeet Singh Sran (amarjeetsinghsran5@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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