SINGAPORE: A recent online discussion among Singaporeans has brought up the cost of living and dining in Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia. The debate was sparked by a post from a Singaporean who described JB residents as “lucky” since they can eat very cheap food every day.
He shared online, “I ate Nasi Lemak with fried egg in JB for only RM3 (approx. S$0.85). Seriously, the food in JB is really super cheap. Where can I get tasty food for only 85 cents in Singapore?? Luckily, people in JB can get cheap food every day.”
This sentiment was echoed by some, with one commenter stating, “Malaysia is definitely cheaper than Singapore. Singapore has the title of most expensive place in the world, rental is rocket high, electricity and water bill plus GST high also. We asked for it.”
However, not all Singaporeans agreed. One user countered, “Malaysia is not cheap if you are earning ringgit. It is cheap only because you convert it from Singapore dollar to ringgit.”
Another commenter suggested that the influx of Singaporean diners might be affecting local prices. “Then Malaysians blame Singaporeans who keep saying JB food is cheap. And JB food prices keep rising.”
One said, “Cheap your head la. How is a plate of noodles RM8 to RM10 cheap?!” Another explained, “It’s cheap because of our strong dollar…if you stay there it’s not cheap.”
“You cannot compare like that by converting currency, if you earn there and spend there it will be a different story,” explained another commenter. “If you are earning SGD you don’t feel much. But if you are earning RM then you feel the pinch,” he added.
One user reminded others that many Malaysian citizens struggle financially, much like Singaporeans. “Normal Malaysia citizens earning a basic RM1800 sometimes find it not enough to have food out, and normally have home-cooked food. There are low income families in Malaysia too. Singapore also has low income families who feel that eating at a coffee shop will cost them a minimum S$4 which is a lot for S$1800 low income families,” he said.
“So count your blessings if you are not from low income families,” he added. /TISG
Read also: Singaporeans shopping and dining in JB causing concern for Johoreans’ cost of living
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