Fewer visitors from Singapore to Johor Bahru this year-end due to the stronger ringgit?
Well… maybe not the only factor.
This year, even though the Malaysian ringgit has recently strengthened, one would think that is a good news for Johor. It should be cheaper for Singaporeans, right? But strangely, Johor Bahru (JB) is quiet. Business owners are seeing about 30 – 40% fewer visitors from Singapore this holiday season, the worst year-end since the COVID-19 pandemic.
At first glance, the common story has been that the stronger ringgit is to blame. After all, with 1 Singapore dollar now going for roughly RM 3.17 to RM 3.19 (vs about RM 3.30 last year), the usual currency bargain is not quite as “worth-it”.
But even with the ringgit stronger, the Sing dollar is still comparatively robust.
That makes me think there are other big reasons behind the slump. Firstly, JPJ's new rule, starting from 15 November 2025 onwards, foreign-registered vehicles (including Singapore ones) cannot exit Malaysia without a valid and activated Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP). Anyone caught without it will be fined, and must settle the fine and complete registration before being allowed to leave. Even before the full barring-exit rule, JPJ has already slapped 4,634 summonses worth RM1.39 million on errant Singapore vehicles from July to mid-November. Some drivers from Singapore are uncertain about the enforcement of new rules that are kicking in.
Finally, I believe people’s mindset may have shifted too. Even if the exchange rate is not terrible, the hassle of permits, risk of fines, uncertain weather and traffic might push folks to simply skip the trip, especially when there are easier holiday options elsewhere or even abroad like Japan.
So yes, currency matters. But in this round, stronger ringgit is not only the factor but stricter VEP enforcement along with unpredictable weather, construction and shifting habits,
That could be the reasons of keeping some Singaporeans away from JB this year.
What do you think?
Jason Kang (weeshuien92@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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