A recent Threads post ignited debate over why Malaysia doesn’t offer free healthcare and education like countries such as Norway or Qatar, with netizens pointing to taxes, governance, and population differences.
User @hafifi_mhm7 asked: “If Norway and Qatar can provide free education and healthcare, why can’t Malaysia? Let’s discuss.” The responses came fast and blunt.
Some users highlighted Malaysia’s existing provisions. @decembereightythree wrote, “Healthcare is free here. Education up to SPM is free. Norway’s tax rate is 47%. Two minutes on Google would have answered your question.” @azuehamdan added that Norwegians pay extremely high taxes—something Malaysians hesitate over even at 6% GST/SST.
Others pointed out structural differences. @rasidi342 cited Malaysia’s much larger population, while @wannadiah noted that Qatar’s small workforce, mostly in oil and gas, allows it to fund free services more easily.
Several netizens emphasised governance and trust as bigger barriers than taxes. @eugenewong794 said corruption and low institutional trust make citizens reluctant to support higher taxes, while @anrowena added that people often reject higher taxes because they don’t see tangible benefits.
Still, others reminded the poster that Malaysia already provides substantial support. @nurulbadiahlai noted that primary and secondary education is free, and public universities are heavily subsidised, even with a much larger population and lower tax rates compared to Norway or Qatar.
Some were more direct. @tyratoyt blamed corruption, and @azaamesan bluntly suggested, “Go and live there.”
Ultimately, comparing Malaysia to Norway or Qatar overlooks key differences in taxes, population, and governance. Without structural reforms and accountability, simply raising taxes would not make free healthcare and education sustainable.
