Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the reopening of borders, a significant number of Singaporeans have been visiting Johor, Malaysia, for shopping and holidays. This influx has led to perceptions among Johoreans, particularly those in Johor Bahru, that Singaporean tourists are contributing to an increase in their cost of living. The strong Singapore dollar against the Malaysian ringgit has made Johor an attractive destination for Singaporeans seeking to benefit from better value for money.
Local Perspectives on the Influx
Johoreans have expressed mixed feelings about the impact of Singaporean tourism. While some, like sales executive Siti Atiqah Ahmad Daud, feel that the presence of Singaporeans creates a competitive environment for locals due to their stronger currency, others, like retail shop manager Beanz Ho, acknowledge that while the influx of tourists might be beneficial for businesses, it also contributes to the rising cost of living in Johor Bahru, especially for essential items like groceries and meat.
Business Owners’ Views
Business owners in Johor have mixed views on the situation. While some recognize the potential economic benefits brought by Singaporean spending, others believe that the increasing costs are not solely due to the influx of Singaporean tourists. They point to domestic and external factors, such as the weakening ringgit, which has led to increased costs of raw materials, as significant contributors to the inflation in Johor.
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