Singapore, our neighbor or even rival down south, about 450 times smaller than Malaysia. No matter how
big we are, we haven’t been able to beat them economically. So before we get to the fun part, we need
to talk a little on business. There was a time in 1970s where MYR and SGD were at par, today SGD is 3
times stronger. Why and how? There are various reasons to this, one that’s worth mentioning is the 1MDB
fiasco (thanks a lot Najib *insert sarcasm here*) and the missing MAS 370 airplane that made Malaysia
appear all over the tabloids globally. Another main reason would be Singapore’s stable economy, they’re
in fact one of the strongest due to zero foreign debt, high government revenue and a strong import &
export system having the world’s busiest cargo seaport. Need I say more? So with all these moolah coming
in, they have the buying power when visiting Malaysia especially Johor. Now the fun part, reasons why
they love Johor.
1. Fuel
Petrol has to be the MAIN reason hands down. Let’s do the math, in Singapore RON95 is around SGD 2.02
(MYR 6.16) p/ liter whereas in Malaysia it is MYR 1.64 (31 Oct-6 Nov 2020 price update). That’s A LOT of
difference! You know what’s the cherry on top? Their cars aren’t cheap either. Owning a car is both a
luxury and liability over there. As of August 2020, the cheapest car to own is Perodua Bezza 1.3 which is
capped at least SGD 60K (roughly MYR 180K) WOWW! With that price Johoreans can already own a brand
new Volkswagen Golf.
2. Cost of Living and Owning Properties
Cost of living in Singapore is ridiculously costly, in fact they’re the 2nd most expensive city in Asia. Don’t
even think about owning any type of property unless you’re rolling in money. I’ll break it down for you
(rough estimate)
Singapore City (MYR) Johor Bahru (MYR)
Cost of Living Single- 12K
Family of 4- 22K
Single- 4K
Family of 4- 9.5K
Property Ownership 6.1 mil 300K
Are you seeing these numbers?! It’s self-explanatory why Singaporeans invest in Johor. Quite a number
of them reside in JB but work and send their children to school in Singapore.
3. Food
Now for the most sensitive subject. Food is like religion. For decades Malaysians and Singaporeans have
argued about whose food is better and each country claiming the right to Nasi Lemak, Hainanese Chicken
Rice, Rojak etc. Let’s not get into it, 2 world wars is enough. Both countries have similar local cuisines but
prices are different. A Singaporean would have to fork out MYR 4 for a Nasi Lemak in Singapore instead
of MYR 1 in Johor. Plus, Johor has authentic Laksa Johor (a Johorean making laksa in Singapore doesn’t
count).
4. Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)
Ahhh shopping haven. Since the opening in December 2011, JPO has attracted over 4.5 million visitors
yearly housing 150 designer and branded outlet stores. Bet it was like Boxing Day in Bicester Village,
England during JPO’s opening. It only takes an hour plus drive from Singapore so no wonder they flock
over for the crazy deals. According to The Star newspaper, a Singaporean paid roughly MYR 3,600 for a
ready-made designer suit whereas a tailored suit of similar quality would cost 3 times in his home country.
Several designer brands available are Salvatore Ferragamo, DKNY, Stuart Weitzman & Tumi.
5. Theme Parks
Sure Singapore has Universal Studios, but Johor has Legoland, Angry Birds Activity Park, Puteri Harbour
Theme Park and Hello Kitty Town. Fun for the kids as well as adults, hmm maybe not all adults unless
you’re like me, I jump at the sight of toys and parks (so sue me, I still like toys and cartoons)
6. Scenery
Singapore is consumed in its own little concrete jungle that there isn’t room for nature. We’re talking
about legit, God-made nature, this is important because Singapore is famous for man-made beaches. It’s
safe to say there’s not much of nature over there. Let’s forget the zoo though as Singapore Zoo is
awesome, I’ve been there years ago for the Night Safari it was epic! Anyway, Johor has much more to
offer, such as dancing with the fireflies in Kota Tinggi, visiting Pulai Waterfall and sun tanning in Desaru
Beach.
So to our neighbor down south, we know the Covid-19 pandemic has hit us all hard, tearing a huge hole
in our wallets and we believe that you guys are dying for a holiday even if it is to Malaysia. We miss you
too! We will see you sooner than you think. Lots of love from Malaysia!
By,
Yazreen Haron Kamar
