The monthly pay of landscape gardener Kee Soon Tiong, 60, has risen by $500 from what he received nine years ago. But while these earnings cover the basics, they are not enough for treats like holidays.

When asked when his last holiday was, Mr Kee sighs and tells The Sunday Times: "Maybe 20 years? Maybe longer? I don't know, but I know it was to Kuala Lumpur. I don't have the money to go for holidays."