A Malaysian man questions relatives giving RM2 ang pao despite a comfortable lifestyle, igniting debate on sincerity, money and festive norms.
WHEN it comes to ang pao, tradition may be fixed — but expectations clearly are not.
A Facebook post shared by Uncle Li featured an anonymous submission that asked bluntly: “What era are we living in that people are still giving RM2 ang pao?”
“Honestly. What era are we in, and I’m still receiving RM2 ang pao for Chinese New Year. It’s not about the amount of money. It’s about the thought behind it.”
He described a relative who appears financially comfortable.
“They live in a terraced house. They travel every year. They don’t skimp on food or daily expenses. On Facebook, they’re always checking in — either in KL or overseas.” Looking at their lifestyle, the writer said, “you wouldn’t think they’re struggling.”
In their extended family, there is what they called an unspoken understanding: “Adults give ang pao to each other’s children, usually around RM5 or RM10. It’s once a year. Everyone’s happy. No one keeps score.”
“Except them. Every year, RM2. Not just this year. Every single year.”
The frustration deepened when the writer did the maths. “We have a big family. Their children receive hundreds of ang pao each year. If the average is RM10 and they give RM2 — do the maths. How much do they ‘net’ every year? Hundreds? Thousands? Has Chinese New Year become a money-making opportunity?”
A visit to the relatives’ home added to the grievance. “Plain water on the table. And one packet of Mamee noodles. Not even any festive cookies.” The writer clarified, “I’m not saying they need to serve delicacies. But at least make a gesture — it’s once a year.”
They argued that “Ang pao isn’t an investment. It’s not arbitrage. It’s not about calculating return on investment (ROI). It’s about face. It’s about relationships. It’s about atmosphere,” before asking, “Is RM2 reasonable in this day and age? Or am I the one overthinking it?”
The comments were divided.
Lin Yuan Na replied, “The comments have already told you — you’re really overthinking it.” She added, “Today you think they live in a terraced house yet only give RM2. If one day they live in a luxury bungalow and give RM10, you’d still say, ‘How stingy — only RM10?’ … Be grateful in all things. Ang pao is just a blessing.”
Evan T compared it to digital culture: “When someone gets RM0.20 through TNG, they’ll say, ‘Thank you, boss — good luck, boss.’ But when they receive a physical RM2, suddenly it’s not good enough.”
I Love Hong Kong suggested a simple fix: “If you receive RM2, just give RM2 back to their children next year. If you’re uncomfortable with these relatives, just keep your distance. Why visit and make yourself annoyed? This feels like resentment towards the wealthy.”
MC Loke wrote, “First you say ang pao is about sincerity, then you turn around and ask whether anyone still gives RM2. Classic ‘money-first’ mentality.”
Phelix Chan said, “Ang pao is a tradition. Be appreciative of what you receive. No one owes you anything in this world.”
Still, YE Ann argued that the criticism was being misunderstood: “The original poster is annoyed because these people clearly have money but are still so stingy.” He added that perhaps “that’s exactly how they afford to travel and live in big houses — by being frugal.”
Whether RM2 is symbolic or insufficient depends on who you ask. But the post leaves one question hanging: in 2026, what exactly does an ang pao amount say?
The Sun Malaysia
