Top image: Marisse Caine / RICE File Photo
Traffic jams, crowds at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, and even Malaysia’s VEP enforcement haven’t dampened Singaporeans’ efforts to cross the Causeway.
Things are looking even more convenient as Singapore customs implements more efficient immigration clearance methods. With the eventual addition of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will connect directly to Woodlands North MRT, residents in the area will have a fast track to JB.
Monthly—even weekly—trips to JB aren’t uncommon for Singaporeans. We all cross the border for different things. It ranges from supper at Banafee, to a quick car wash and refuel, to stocking up on monthly groceries, or just because we want a quick hair cut and colour.
But of course, the biggest reason of all? It’s cheaper.
On the flip side, though Singaporean businesses near the Causeway have seen significant dips in revenue over the years. Analysts have also warned local retailers to step up their game when the RTS link starts operating.
Despite having options closer to home, Singaporeans share why they can’t help giving their dollars to JB businesses instead.
“I’m fifty-fifty on going back and forth from JB, but I think the closure of local businesses is part and parcel of entrepreneurship and not determined by Singaporeans shopping in JB. As a business owner, sometimes you make it, sometimes you don’t. I think local businesses shouldn’t be disheartened, and instead find another way to put themselves back on the map.”
—Tin, 30
“We’re getting our BTO soon, and our interior designer showed us some tiles from local businesses. We both decided that we’d go to JB instead to look at tiles and furniture. I don’t necessarily feel bad for the businesses here, because taste is subjective.
We also liked that furniture and tile shops in JB, offer more selections and we don’t have to spend a whole day driving to multiple locations because everything is in one area.”
—Favian, 33
“I do love supporting small businesses here in Singapore like cafes, thrift stores, and artists selling their handmade creations.
But when it comes to more expensive items like furniture (or even dental treatments), my pockets are just not deep enough for me to support local no matter what.
It just makes financial sense for me to get big-ticket items from JB because it’s really dramatically cheaper. Many of them also cater to Singaporeans. For example, you can arrange for them to deliver your dining tables and sofas from JB directly to your doorstep in Singapore.”
—Elyse, 30
“I don’t know about everybody, but I think Singaporeans usually prefer supporting local. But businesses also have to understand that our preferences change as we grow and we’re always looking for what’s new. Maybe that’s what we want from our them—something new, something more.”
—Chris, 29
“For snacks and daily essentials, I still frequent local shops around my neighbourhood. I go to JB for traditional Chinese pastries, and certain Chinese herbs which are harder to find nowadays.
“I feel bad that businesses are closing, but we have to acknowledge the high cost of living in Singapore. Things might be expensive in JB, but the exchange rate is in our favour, and it’s still more affordable for us to shop there.
In Singapore, everything increases making it more expensive than it was before, so it’s slightly hypocritical to just blame Singaporeans buying things from JB as the main cause. ”
—Jesper, 32
“Be it shopping in JB or local businesses, for me, it’s about the products they sell. If their product isn’t something that’s up my alley, then I can’t force myself to like it. Maybe what they’re selling just isn’t what people aren’t looking for anymore.”
—Gwen, 27
“I don’t think local businesses are struggling just because people are going shopping in JB more regularly. Although I make regular trips there, I also believe that long-time businesses have to adapt to the way their neighbourhood grows too. Most of us go to JB for more variety, and the cheaper price, of course.”
—Ayden, 34
“I think Singaporeans mainly go to JB because it’s about getting away, and it’s not necessarily all about shopping. I still buy my groceries from my nearest NTUC, and sometimes it saves me time by going to physical shops in Singapore to buy bigger items like furniture. We’re still supporting local, but if your business only caters to a specific niche audience, then that already limits who can purchase from you too. We like convenience and variety, so any business that already does that, it’s probably where Singaporeans will frequent.”
—Jayke, 31
