Hari Raya Shopping: Singaporeans Still Spending in Johor Bahru Despite Strengthening Ringgit

Why It Matters

The sustained cross‑border spending fuels Johor’s economy and signals that digital payment solutions can offset currency disadvantages, prompting retailers and policymakers to adapt to evolving consumer behavior.

Key Takeaways

• Singaporeans keep shopping in JB despite stronger ringgit.
• Sales at Johor night markets expected to rise 30% this weekend.
• Cashless cross‑border payments boost transaction volumes during Ramadan.
• Social media trends drive Singaporean footfall to Malaysian stalls.
• Traffic congestion influences some shoppers to prefer local Singapore options.

Summary

The video examines why Singaporeans continue to cross the causeway to shop in Johor Bahru for Hari Raya and Ramadan despite the Singapore dollar hovering near a five‑year low against the Malaysian ringgit.

Vendors report a 30 % jump in sales and footfall, driven by the March school holidays and a surge in cash‑less cross‑border payments. E‑wallet providers say transaction volumes in the first three weeks of Ramadan have already eclipsed last year, and one platform recorded a three‑fold increase in February.

Night‑market stall owners note that 40‑60 % of their customers are Singaporeans, spending between 200 and 3,000 ringgit per visit. Popular items such as fried durian and TikTok‑viral treats like kunafa and roast ice cream are cited as key draws, while vendors use live streams to promote trends.

The trend underscores the resilience of Johor’s retail sector and highlights the growing importance of digital payment infrastructure, while Singaporean shoppers weigh convenience, traffic congestion, and support for local businesses when deciding where to spend.

Original Description

Despite the Singapore dollar being at a near five-year low against the Malaysian ringgit, Singaporeans are still crossing the border to shop there as Hari Raya approaches. Some bazaar stall owners in Johor Bahru say they are seeing a hike of about 30 per cent in sales. As we enter the last weekend of Ramadan, Nadirah Zaidi discovers how cashless cross-border payment is playing a big part.