SINGAPORE: After an online user shared on Facebook (June 23), Friday the alleged experience of an elderly woman’s decision to travel to Malaysia to get her dentures for RM800 instead of S$1,600 in Singapore, other online users took to the comments section to share their sentiments on costs in the country.

“Met a 75-year-old retired lady,” the post read. “Just retired this year as a cleaning supervisor, eating Rojak at the $40m coffee shop in Yishun – She told me she is going to Malaysia tomorrow – to do dentures in Kluang RM800 vs $1,600 in Singapore.”

The post sparked a conversation about costs in Singapore versus costs in its neighbouring countries.

“I share the same sentiments with this aunty as I can have a decent breakfast in China for 80 cents with a bowl of century egg porridge and two veggie paos,” said one online user. “Here it will cost me 6 dollars!”

Another compared the woman’s situation with that of some Americans, saying, “If in America they go Mexico. Now with the dollar depreciated India also will be expensive for Americans. Americans most of them retire in Vietnam. Back in the 80s.”

Others reiterated the high costs in Singapore. “It’s expensive here,” said one. “The dentures are 1600 but consultation before and follow-up cost more.”

Another added, “Everything is expensive in Singapore.”

To this, an online user added, “Will get even more expensive. More population coming in, limited services and goods, sure go up.”

Still, others held a conversation about MediSave.

“The main question is, ‘What’s the purpose of MediSave if you cannot even touch it? Or u have max in it but still need to co-pay for medical purposes?'” a netizen asked.

One responded, “Only wisdom tooth and major surgery..everything else is “cosmetic” as though we enjoy going (to the) dentist to get drilled…who cares about quality of life?”

To this, the original commenter replied, “Whatever the purpose, its our own MediSave money why does the government need to dictate? We are mature enough to know how to spend wisely.”

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