Depends on what you mean by common and who you compare with. If you include entire work force which includes all the PSLE/N/O/NITEC and the older people then yes they are quite rare.

If you compare with only degree or at least diploma, then although they are not majority, earning above 10k is a significant minority that most of us will likely know at least a few in our social circle. For e.g. in my co. (uk engineering mnc) ~30% of the staff are ranked in salary ranges > 10k. Previous co. was GLC proportion maybe lower, but I would say at least 15-20% of them are paid >10k. In banking this proportion is even higher as you only need VP or even some AVP can go >10k and there are more AVP/VPs in banks then Managers & Associates.