JOHOR BARU: Locals are going for Cuti-cuti Malaysia rather than hopping over the Causeway to Singapore or other nearby destinations following the weak ringgit and the increasing living costs.
Despite it being three years since he has gone to Singapore, businessman Tan Choo Oo, 62, said the depreciation of the ringgit, coupled with the increase in the cost of living prompted him to postpone his plans to go for holidays in Singapore.
“I was looking forward to the reopening of the border as I miss going to Singapore for a short visit but looking at the financial situation, I think it is best for me to postpone my plans.
“My business of selling second-hand cars is also not doing too well. As such, I think it is only wise to prioritise my needs rather than my wants.
“As much as I miss spending time in the island republic, I think now is not the time for me to do so,” he said, noting that the last time he was in Singapore was about three years ago.
He added that he had instead visited other attractions within the country in Melaka, Selangor and Penang.
Teacher Noel Sereno Sean (pic), 27, said that he postponed his trip to Vietnam, which was initially planned for the end of this year.
“My colleagues and I planned the trip earlier this year. We were very excited for the trip as it has been years since we had a vacation outside of the country.
“However, the plan does not feel doable now, especially as we are feeling the pinch of the rising cost of living. We are looking into going for a local trip instead, which is a lot cheaper.
“If things improve next year, maybe we can finally go there but for now we need to stay put,” he said.
Makeup artist Abdul Hakim Azmi, 27, said that he decided to only have vacations within the country this year.
“I plan to visit either Sabah or Sarawak at the end of this year as it is cheaper to travel there compared to going overseas. There are also plenty of activities for me to do there.
“Of course, ideally, I would want to travel abroad as a change but I have to be realistic. Hopefully, things will be better next year and I can finally dust off my passport,” he said.
