City Profile
Paka, Terengganu
Malaysia · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Paka is a prominent coastal town located in the Dungun District of Terengganu, Malaysia, historically known as a traditional fishing village that transformed into a vital hub for the oil and gas industry. Positioned along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the town features a unique blend of industrial economic significance and relaxed, traditional Malay coastal culture. People are drawn to the area for employment opportunities tied to major nearby petrochemical complexes, as well as its proximity to scenic South China Sea beaches.
Terengganu, a Malaysian state on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is characterized by its rich Malay-Muslim culture, strong traditions, and a slower pace of life. The economy is primarily driven by its significant oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, with agriculture, fishing, and a growing tourism sector also contributing. Living in Terengganu generally offers a lower cost of living compared to other Malaysian cities, with an average monthly cost for a single person around $658.40 including rent. The climate is tropical, experiencing consistently warm and humid weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 90°F, and a distinct wet monsoon season from November to February. The lifestyle emphasizes community, faith, and a connection to nature, with residents often valuing contentment over economic growth.
How this 78/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 76 / 100 | 76.0 | 30% | 22.8 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 36.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $12,500 Income needed to live here: $9,000 Unemployment rate: 3.8% | 75.6 | 20% | 15.1 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.2% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 59.5 | 15% | 8.9 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 63 / 100 | 63.0 | 10% | 6.3 |
| Overall score | 78.1 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded) (q=54, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Paka is notably lower than the national and global averages, making it an economical place for residents and expatriate engineers alike. Everyday expenses such as local dining, fresh seafood, and public markets offer exceptional value when converted to USD, while housing costs remain modest compared to major urban centers like Kuala Lumpur. Imported goods and certain services can carry a slight premium, but overall day-to-day expenditures are highly manageable.
Income
Salary Insights
Paka's economy is heavily anchored by the energy sector, specifically petroleum refining, petrochemical processing, and related engineering support services. Major multinational and national energy firms operate facilities in and around the adjacent Kerteh industrial corridor, providing stable technical and administrative employment. Beyond oil and gas, traditional sectors like coastal fisheries, local retail trade, and construction contribute significantly to the local labor market.
The average salary in Paka is $11,500 per year. You would need approximately $9,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Paka relies predominantly on personal vehicles, as public transit infrastructure is limited primarily to local bus services connecting to Dungun and Kerteh. Walkability is moderate within the immediate town center, but broader errands and commuting to industrial sites necessitate car ownership or motorcycle use. Major federal highways provide smooth connectivity northward to Kuala Terengganu and southward toward Kuantan.
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