Serina: Many practicalities to consider before Singaporeans make the move to Johor.
RELOCATING to Johor Baru may be an attractive option for Singaporeans who want to escape the high cost of living in the republic, says an academic.
National University of Singapore Southeast Asian Studies lecturer Dr Serina Rahman said attractive rental options, affordable services and great food were the main draw.
“But few have actually gone beyond the usual Johor Baru tourist hotspots to see what it’s like to actually ‘live’ in the city,” she said.
Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
According to a report by a Singapore news portal, 55% of Singaporeans in a poll of 1,548 people chose “yes” when asked if they would move to Johor Baru to avoid high costs in the republic.
A total of 45% said “no”.
Serina, an associate fellow with ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said that as not every Singaporean had a driving licence, the necessity of having personal vehicles to get around would be among disadvantages of moving across the Causeway.
As places in Johor Baru were not all easily accessible by public transport, Singaporeans planning to move would need to rely on ehailing services.
For long-term stays, Singaporeans would need to figure out the visa situation, said Serina, adding that the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme required significant investment.
Bureaucracy, the need to speak, read and write in Malay and understanding local customs were other issues that Singaporeans would have to consider, she said.
