Our Neighbours: Malaysia Johor Bahru (Money Value)

Recently, I went to Malaysia Johor Bahru for a day trip and discovered some intriguing and captivating experience. With our Singapore Currency strengthening against the Ringgit, the exchange rate at the money changer was approximately 2.56 (1 SGD = 2.56 Ringgit). Ah har! I feel so much like a mini king in JB. The increase in income effect and purchasing power seems as though I have double in value of money.

I ventured around City Square JB. Apparel, clothing, accessories, bags, or fashion as a whole are roughly the same pricing as Singapore. Food wise or basic necessities (In RM term) is relatively more pricey too. A normal meal cost 5-10 RM, where in Singapore we can get it from 3-6 SGD. Not too surprising because City Square JB is directly located just outside Malaysia's JB Custom. It is just a stone throw away and inter-link from the custom. This comes to my first point: With such expensive pricing (In terms of RM) I was kind of curious how people in Johor Bahru are surviving?

While I was exploring some of these shops in the mall, I happen to see this shop hiring part timers for 7 RM per hour. It is shocking. That is estimated to be around $2.70 SGD, much lower than our current Singapore part timers' average pay. Even Macdonalds in SG is offering much more. I feel sympathetic for those Malaysian Part-Timers and at the same time, I feel much more appreciative of the value of money. I sense the blood and sweat of every Malaysian having to work twice as hard so as to compensate Singapore's money value. Now I understand why so many Malaysians are crossing over the borders to accept relatively lower wages. A considerably lower wages in SG of about $2000 is equivalent to about a manager's wages back in Malaysia.

I noticed some dreadful scenes along the way too. There appears to be a handful of beggars along the outskirt of the mall. I was greeted by a mid age lady with a child begging for money. I did not "donate" not because I am selfish or could not care less. I believed it was not right at all. Tagging a child along and begging for money from strangers. What/How will the child grow up into? Won't it lead to a poverty cycle? Will it solve the problem ultimately? I may be harsh with my words, but I feel that if the lady is still capable of walking around or still able, she should exercise some form of responsibility to work and provide for the child. Be it even selling tissue paper, it is still a form of "working". That is why, I am very gracious those people who sells tissue paper. At least they are "working" and not begging for money. Fair enough, I may not know the underlying reason and I will gladly apologize dearly to these people for my misjudgment.




On a lighter note, I had a great time heading over to Malaysia with my friends. We managed to scout for cheap and pleasant bargains which made our day. These entertainment expenditure will burn a hole in our pocket if we enjoy it back in Singapore. I have calculated an approximate cost of $80 SGD. Guess what, I only spent a total of $35 SGD for the list below. That is HALF! Talking about crazy deals and saving, this is A HUGE saving with the same entertainment value you can enjoy in SG. I may even consider going back JB just to catch a movie or to relax a day over there with my friends.

Here is my list of "damage" for the day:

1. Lunch [Japanese Food] ~ 34 RM ($13.30 SGD)
Sushi King
Cheap, delicious, filling and yummy sums it all. I ate till I nearly exploded, it shows how much $13 SGD can get you.

2. KTV [Neway] ~ 38 RM ($14.80 SGD)
3 hours of singing, 1 drink of your choice, 1 set meal of your choice.
I wonder where else in Singapore to get such bargain. Singapore's KBox/Party World lose to this KTV hands down. Moreover, Neway's KTV system is updated to the latest music and well equipped with a good mix of English/Chinese Music with original Music Video (MTV). KBox/Party World has a poor and limited selection of English songs. Not to forget, their MV are absurdly hilarious (Fake MV; Usually those classic video whereby a woman stroll in a park). You should get what I mean if you ever sing Karoke in Kbox/Party World.

3. Dinner [Street Food] ~ 11 RM ($4.30 SGD)
Satay, Mutton Soup, Maggi Goreng, Kwayteow Hailam

Ordered a handful variety of food to have a taste of their street food. Tried out their satay : beef, mutton and chicken. Frankly, this is one of the best satay I had so far. One word, SALIVATING! The generous amount of fatty piece of meat they chunk in one stick plus the juice that ooze out whenever you take a bite leaves your mouth in coma. Perhaps if the satay sauce is great, that will be the best satay combination ever. Their satay sauce is so-so standard. I still prefer Singapore's Pineapple Satay Sauce that some SG satay stalls provide. The rest of the food were still fine and to my liking but not to the standard worth commending. Overall, a reasonable price worth trying out.

4. Movie ~ 12 RM ($4.70 SGD)
Cathay Cinema
Spacious and comfortable. There is ample leg space for you and a cosy armchair to sink into. It is not only a huge theater, it looks rather grand and appealing too. The theater is just as good as Singapore, it live up to Cathay's standard. For the price of $5 SGD and zero hassle to get available slots, what more can I ask for.

To end it off
These are some of the interesting sights I seen just in a day in Malaysia, Johor Bahru. Sinking into their lifestyle for a day has made me learn quite a bit and widen my perspective. It teaches me the importance of valuing money and I grab away some moral values with me. It taught me not to take things for granted. I hope I will revisit JB again and wish to take away more learning points.

Cheers!
Little Boy