I Lived in JB To See How Much Money I Could Save on Rent | TBH

[@OGS.Official]

We've just released a brand new episode of TBH, so if you enjoyed this, check that out as well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKCpfHV5prR2aLs

[@celestialstar124]

Hey isn't it illegal for Singaporean to live in Jb but travel to Singapore for work daily? Best ensure you didn't step on illegal line.

[@mrafiquemaricar8048]

​@@celestialstar124🎉

[@mrafiquemaricar8048]

0​90@@celestialstar1240

[@1966bluemax]

It’s almost like the Philippines where people waste 4 hours in commute to go back and forth to work, because they cannot afford the apartment in the CBD

[@celestialstar124]

@@1966bluemax wow 4 hours x twice a day is too tiring. I feel sad for these people. I sincerely hope everyone can improve their quality of life sooner.

[@markzzzzberg1312]

i prefer living in JB too.. very peaceful no rush, friendly people, bigger condominium, soo many natural attraction like waterfalls, mountain, forest reserve, beautiful islands in Mersing, etc

[@zizi1005]

I am not surprise to hear her mention about warm Kampung spirit. It doesn't happen in Kampung as well. Even in KL, people tend to care more for each other as neighbors. Of course, once in a while you will run into people who are stuck up, but in general 90% of people are warm, know their neighbors and help each other out. It is very much a fabric of Malaysian culture.

[@magnusborneo6264]

Agree, it's especially our Malay friend. Even warmer their kindness. That's Malaysian

[@contrarian2496]

Because all undeveloped country has friendlier people and all developed country tend to have more unfriendly people. It's the stress of work that makes people unfriendly whereas kampong farmers are friendly as they don't get the corporate world stresses.

[@Zmz-tw7gq]

Singapore development is reaching it's height. It's declining now like all western countries

[@zizi1005]

@@contrarian2496 Beg to differ on that. Mediterraneans (Italy/Spain) are developed countries and they are super friendly. You will be dining out with them for large majority of time. Just based on experience.

[@zizi1005]

@@contrarian2496 I have traveled and lived extensively across multiple developed European countries. Most tend to be on my friendliness scale friendlier than Singaporean or Hong Kong. I think it has to do with both Singapore and Hong Kong being cities where they prioritize career and materialistic wealth. Hence, it make them a bit unfriendly in that sense.

[@HoneyMoneySG]

Thanks for producing this and showing this sight of residents commuting between JB-SG. They all seem very contented with life!

[@xxxcool2565]

@HoneyMoneySG when your cost of living is reduced by 30-40% you will also become contented. LOL

[@ohgin12345]

​@@xxxcool2565but you become like a slave with virtually no time for yourself. You can actually improve yourself with that time. Now is it worth it?

[@xxxcool2565]

@@ohgin12345 actually you will live a much better quality of life in JB with the income derived in Singapore vs a living hell in Singapore especially if you don't earn much. I mean so what if you have more time in Singapore? You'll probably spend all the time locked in your small room eating your expensive cai fan anyway. This kind of arrangement is good for people who work remotely or those who have hybrid wfh arrangements which will eventually become more widespread anyway

[@ohgin12345]

@@xxxcool2565 actually I have done that before. Travelling from JB to Singapore. It's a nightmare. So what if you have a better "quality" of life when you cannot live it. Weekdays. You have no time left and weekends most likely you sleep the entire day due to tiredness . Unless you are actually driving in. You are going to be so stress in the jam anyway. I will take the lower quality of life in sg at least I can still enjoy it.

[@ohgin12345]

@@xxxcool2565 and if you work in a serious job, your performance will be severely affected Of course if you are WFH then it's a different story but this person is not right?

[@deborah2886]

I kinda of understand what you shared about being alone and feeling lonely. I used to stay alone in an apartment. Initially, I felt pretty happy and satisfied, but as time went by, it was really quiet, especially if I didn't turn on any music or audio. The quietness can be super scary; any footsteps from the corridor outside can be heard clearly at midnight. I adopted 2 cats as my companions; it really helps to combat loneliness, giving me a sense of belonging when I return to my apartment with 2 cats waiting for me every day.

[@farhanaqistina3466]

To everyone here who travel regardless reason..i salute you guys ..your patience hard work & sacrifices are many untold stories behind the reason to be here n there

[@celestialstar124]

I won't salute such people who totally REFUSED to give up seats on mrt. Even when someone with the yellow lanyards (means they are physical unwell to stand) these Malaysian refuse to give up their seats they simply dare yell back at us that they paid for the fare so they are entitled to sit plus they are very tiring standing at work. As if only Malaysian need to stand and Indian construction workers got less tiring job. It is usually ang moh, locals or Indian male construction worker give up their seats to old folks or people with yellow lanyard. I was warded 3 weeks in june 2023 and the day i was discharged, a Singaporean lady stood up to give her seat. Her Malaysian tall and fit boyfriend scolded and insulted me in the mrt. Saying such a young women like me still need to sit. I should give my seat to an Indian old lady. His gf tell him that i got the lanyard so i am needy people. He refused to let me sit and keep insulting me. The Indian lady also dare not sit. I am so mad i took out my discharge from hospital file with lots or doctor appointment and ct scan and ultrasound prescription to show on his face. My mum even tell him off by saying he is sitting so if want to pity the Indian lady then he should give his seat to her. Poor Indian lady exit the mrt because she don't want to get involved. That Disgusting 30+ musclar and tall guy keep refusing me to seat so another old lady in her 60s or 70s offer her seat to me but i reject because if she fall i can't be responsible. I press the mrt bell to get assistant and his gf walk out of the mrt when the staff enter the mrt at next station. He got up to chase her. I purposely yell "yan dao boyfriend with no standard is worth marrying or not? Best to reconsider carefully" After they left the staff instruction my 60 years old mum and me sit down on the 2 seats and left. Mrt continues. This is my own experience but when i go jb or woodlands i encounter so many times Malaysian refuse to give their seats to others. My own Malaysian cousins also said before they move to Singapore to stay, they will pretend never see or shut her eyes and act like sleeping so she don't have to give others her seat. Only if she see someone with injured leg or old folks that is shaky while mrt moves she will give her seat. I am warded in end of july 2023 again and was told i am not out of danger yet. I have surgery in nov 2022, another surgery in feb 2023, infection on june 2023, then clostridium difficile infection after i discharge. FYI i still got to return to hospital for daily iv antibiotics after i discharge on june. And i don't even know i got the clostridium difficile. Imagine i got it on the day before the fight with that Malaysian. He most likely also kena liao. Worth it or not for him as the seat wasn't even his to begin with.

[@aminXlocale]

As a fellow Londoner wanting to make a big move to Malaysia this was an awesome piece of content, keep producing great material such as this...truly a wonderful glimpse into people's lives!!!

[@MsHugh1990]

The kampung spirits part really hits me...i've been living in sg for 10yrs+ but always feel something lost in my life. When i travel back to my home country, i can feel the warmth of the friends and neighbours which i rarely found in sg.

[@celestialstar124]

Indeed my cousins also say similar things but she said the spirt is at malacca. She didn't feel the warmth while renting a house in jb and travel to sg to work. Now she co share rent a hbd with 6 Malaysian and they are able to maintain the spirit.

[@Hhhh22222-w]

Mainly cause SG is an international hub

[@jessieh867]

Thanks for sharing your one-week experiment living & commuting between JB and Singapore. That’s a price to save money and/or to earn more (SGD vs RM). We just need to make good decisions to suit our own preferred value.

[@fahmidamiah]

This is a really great video and experiment. As a foreigner in Singapore who has not enjoyed the rental market experience here, I can tell you that it actually makes me very sad that local Singaporeans (especially the youth) are needing to move to (or strongly considering moving to) JB just to be abled to afford rent and save a little. It is absolutely absurd to me that people can't even rent in their own country. JB is a great place, don't get me wrong, but this is saying more about the situation in the rental market for the youth in Singapore and the future. Wishing everyone looking for a home the very best! (This should not be happening)

[@KeoNz]

Most youths in Singapore just stay with their parents till they buy their first hdb though. Very rarely do you see them moving out to rent a place by themselves.

[@John-kk6fh]

Singapore is a first-world country if most Singaporeans can’t cope with the rent in Singapore, that means something is wrong with our salaries when you compare Singapore and USA Salaries, you will notice our pay is so much lower than USA, even though Singapore's GDP per capita is higher than USA.

[@KeoNz]

@John-kk6fh Most Singaporeans don't rent. Home ownership rate in Singapore is 89%. Like I said, most youths just stay with their parents until they're able to purchase their first hdb flat.

[@MrNamesNoMore]

@@KeoNz More and more of the young generation these days would like to rent and stay alone or with friends or with their partner, but they couldn't afford that lifestyle. Heck, I have married friends that are still waiting to get their BTO keys and they would have loved to rent a space of their own if it was a financially sound decision, this probably pushed back or even thrown out the idea of having children out of their minds as they are already in their early 30s.

[@fahmidamiah]

@@KeoNz that’s true that most Singaporeans stay with their families until they can buy their own place, but from what I can see and hear, the culture is changing amongst the youth. They want their own space to grow and value independence. I think the rental culture in Singapore will look very different in the next few years as the youth explore a new way to live and work. Things change, culture is never fixed. This has certainly been the case amongst British Asians (I come from a culture where even in the UK it’s typical to live in a multi-generation household). But I moved out for uni and never looked back. It’s the best decision I I ever made. I don’t think it’ll be much different for many Millennials and GenZ around the world, especially in Asia as more and more of the youth are exploring a new normal. It’s a natural change.

[@iamjonz8049]

For family, if 90% of ur time is in sg due to work (non remote working environment) kids school, it not really worth. Mostly u spend the 10% of your time in Msia. And if u never go back for 2 weeks,due to busy schedule, you end up doing house cleaning. For family or retiree family, if 80% of ur time can be flexible, then it totally worth it..coz you wont be tied down by time management. Msia, not only JB, is really a good places to explore around with. Eg, today u r at JB, feel like going Malacca..u be there in an hr. Or maybe the weekend, u wanna go Genting for staycation. Just pack n go. U be there in 3hrs..More leisure time n fun. In sg, it either downtown east, or bugis junction or maybe RWS Sentosa....

[@dianasoh2733]

It's great that you have a job that lets you clock in at 9.30am. Most places start btw 8 - 8.30am, and schools start at 7.30 am. That's the peak hour. Leaving at 7 am means you missed the peak hour. I'm not sure there are employers that will let you leave work at 4 pm to get to Alan's office at 4.30 pm and cross the causeway at 5-ish. take a look at the daily jam from 6-8 pm. that's your daily 2-3 hr queue. Most Malaysians cannot afford to rent a place at R&F as it is more than their monthly income. :( Most wake up at 5 am to prepare for the commute - every morning.

[@mingwu1133]

One studio at RnF cost around My 2300, about S$650, u can't find even a single common room with that amout in SG.

[@YeeRachel]

How much for the rental

[@inspirit4550]

this was quite timely for me, as a singaporean with malaysian grandparents! i was thinking of moving in with them as they’re getting older & stay very close to the jb-sg border, but was worried about the daily commute to school. maybe i’ll try giving it a shot hahaha

[@xcjsmith5310]

I think you can try for a few weeks to test whether it is feasible for you because convenience wise, I don’t think it is feasible

[@EddieLim-b9j]

Not possible - u cannot go in n out daily, custom officer will question you.

[@mintrose6434]

I m a singaporean who used to live in JB n traveled to work daily. Customs are fine. In fact started to make friends with few of them. I don’t think there should be an issue to commute daily …

[@xcjsmith5310]

@@EddieLim-b9j I agree, my cousin who is a Singaporean used to travel daily in custom due to his work in JB. Definitely possible, but in the long run, I just dont think it is feasible, it is better to stay and work in Singapore if possible.

[@a13xhackintosh]

never try never know

[@OGS.Official]

Enjoying our new series? Tell us what other millennial problems you'd like us to explore!

[@fahmidamiah]

Great video. I’m really interested in hearing stories from Singaporeans abroad. I’m a British foreigner in Singapore, and from my own KZbin channel I’ve had a few leave comments and DM me from the UK, Canada and Australia where they are working and living; building upon their experiences and perhaps a new life. I don’t know if they intend to return to Singapore, but it would be really interesting to learn more about their plans. From hearing their stories through my own platform, I feel the youth in Singapore may spread their wings further from the red dot in the future. It’s all very interesting and I’m very excited for the youth ❤️

[@kyleanuar9090]

Went to Kelantan and met the Chinese kampong folks and how different they look at life compared to the Chinese in other states or cities. Very interesting topic I thought you could explore.

[@h3hosphanson280]

Foreigners working overseas have to give up on the family warmth missing much of the family moments

[@ttii9]

Explore the benefits of open borders.

[@ssping83]

Hopefully, the traffic situation will be improved with the Singapore Johor RTS Link coming up in 2026/2027. That will massively open up options for Singaporeans and Malaysians.

[@ttii9]

Open borders along with free shuttle service are the only workable options.

[@duncanmcewan1049]

I lived in Singapore from 2011-2014 and checked the prices in the place where i rented when living in SG. Damn - prices indeed up 30-40%... and I was in one of the development "show units" with better finish etc. I can see the pain of people in SG, because I suspect salaries not increase by 40%!

[@JH-kv8mt]

If you are Singaporean, you need not rent a house, but you are a tenant

[@Frederick-765]

actually income increased 65% from 2011 to 2022, and 35% from 2014 to 2022. however i dont think prices are only up 30-40%, most has increased 60-75% or more

[@duncanmcewan1049]

@@Frederick-765 I went from London to Singapore and the prices were comparable - more or less. The difference was that the condo I was staying at in Singapore (despite being "ancient" - topped in 1998 lol) was so much bigger and brighter than what that rental money would get me in London - So i guess that the prices are all subjective. To me, standards of living in SG were much better than in London ;)

[@rachaeltan5462]

Dude most people just live with their parents here ik its very hard for you to understand but in singapore renting a house here is more of a want then a must

[@HweeMeng-e5s]

hey guys, Im a self employed singaporean wanting to move out of my parents place to be independent. im planning to live in JB and make visits (non-overnight, or overnight for a few days if necessary) to singapore once a week/fortnight to visit my parents. would i face problems at customs?

[@aldin5932]

I was very tempted to try this but I feel gladful for having a nice landlady in Singapore because my rent stays 600 SGD ever since i moved in 2 years ago. The RF Condo rent is somewhat more expensive than what i am paying now lol. Well i am blessed and grateful. Guys Please Stay Safe and take care your health at all times.

[@lidna82]

For those who can work from home and the parent's home is getting too small for comfort, JB is a great option to save on living expenses and learning to live independently (which the video would not be able to address due to the 1 weeks' stay).

[@shanshine85]

Provided the company allows too… cos of taxation and security, some companies are not open to it.

[@yoong21]

uh no, once u hit more than 180 days outside of SG, you will pay non resident tax rates in SG which is very high

[@HweeMeng-e5s]

hey guys, Im a self employed singaporean wanting to move out of my parents place to be independent. im planning to live in JB and make visits (non-overnight, or overnight for a few days if necessary) to singapore once a week/fortnight to visit my parents. would i face problems at customs?

[@mengster73]

Thank you for making this clip. i believe this will be a trend especially when the rental and housing so expensive here in SG. The younger generation will feel the pinch especially and once the RTS is up in 2026, more ppl will be renting or getting property in JB and commute to SG for work.

[@richmondang1591]

SG government may not be happy if this really happens but it is people's choice.

[@driveondesertsafari2370]

Excellent experiment! Very rich content, good reference for many people, BiG thank you to Kimberly Anne Tan and Team

[@steffitan8926]

Just so you know - the KTM tickets on weekdays rush hrs between JB-SG round trip (6-9am and 5-9pm) are already sold out till Jan 24. Is a breeze for you on the first day that's because it isn't a popular timing that you commute, and in this case, bus is the only option left for ppl who doesn't own any vehicle and the traveling during the rush hrs is not very pleasing. Not to mention how early you need to get up and leave your house (distance depending of which part of JB to CIQ) and the fact that you are always back late at home every night, so let's not talk about having enough personal time on your weekdays for you to prepare for the next day again. If you are driving and going back to JB between 6-9pm, that's where the jam starts to form and it could easily takes up to 2 hrs, an hr if you are lucky, not to mention public holiday on the following day or long weekend - 3hrs is common. Yes, indeed you could manage to save more money than living in SG, but is the sacrificial you made by losing your life and time in exchange for your family, for most of the commuter. It really depends of what you want, and some ppl doesn't even have the choice as the income is not able to cover the rental in SG. Although I'm from JB and I have a house to even save the rental in JB, i still choose to live in SG and being thankful to still be able to afford despite of the rental hike. The respectable daily commuting routine is really not for anyone, mentally and physically. You just have to pick your poison and who doesn't want the best of both world, isn't it? :)

[@elizangg]

appreciate the effort and thought that went into this video! especially lining up several people with personal experiences to share and stringing it together with your own experience into a coherent and well thought out video - well done!

[@michaelseah9617]

Back 2011 I bought my House in Bukit Indah JB. By 2013 end we move in. There was a huge financial benefit, I rent out my HDB and my parents rent out their HDB. Only me doing the cross country almost daily. I have tried multiple mode of travel. By singapore plate car, by neighbor JB plate car, van, bus, and even motorcycle. Even tried cross border taxi after i landed in Changi. JB is a nice quite place. There is night life and plenty of food selection. Weekend road trips up north. Weekly marketing, pasa malam, ... Etc. I did this from end 2013 till 2017. Waking up 4:30am travel from Bukit indah to tuas and beyond to work. Usually i get back in JB home by 7:30~8pm. Yes the jam is long. As long as you are prepared in mind. Just sleep in vehicle or do something to kill the pressure. Financially its well worth it in my situation. Since 2017 i have moved to vietnam. Sold my JB house, no earnings even there is a raise in property price. Just break even. Cause the ringgit drops...😅

[@HyperspaceHoliday]

It's funny Singaporean noticed the warmth of Malaysiam people compared with Singaporeans. Yes, noticed that about Singaporeans when I went there to.

[@m.a.i7324]

Yeaz cus singaporean always act kiasu. They always create problems in nightclub around jb but later get beaten up so badly by jb gangster😂😂. They only act brave in jb but act so politely in kl cause they know if they create problems in kl the kl gangsters will put gun on their head😂

[@KialingLer-go6kg]

I'm a realtor in JB, and yes this is so true, due to rental increasing in Singapore, demand for R&F and residential JB town area. Another place thats is very near to CIQ would be Tri-tower & Twin Tower, if you're driving can consider iskandar puteri area which is just 10-15 min drive to Tuas

[@ameliatan0309]

I am planning to do this as well. Living alone is not a problem for me but it is definitely good to have a network of friends in jb so you wont feel too bored on weekends.

[@tc691kiing9]

In SG, you found money everywhere. In JB, you found hidden GEM everywhere. Every decision you made, no regret is a life

[@veracdy]

Great video, thanks for exploring this! Appreciated the honest thoughts and different angles!

[@TheFarhanaAnna]

I did commute from jb to sg for almost 5 years from my Alevels years to Uni. School starts at 730am, I have to be at customs by 430am. I’ll normally reach home at 8pm or 9pm… but it was so fun.. I made lots of new friends. I explored different parts of johor..

[@amandalim1523]

I feel 1 week is too short to really understand how difficult the commute is. The commute is more bearable if you have a set work schedule or if you start and end at uncommon hours because you’ll be travelling during non-peak hours. Also commuting during long weekends or major holidays is another nightmare. If you really want to feel how difficult it is to travel across border than try to stick to using the busses and trains as most don’t have the luxury to afford using taxi or grab or finding a friend/colleague to drive us across. Just a few days ago on a Wednesday (not a public holiday) 8am. it took slightly more than 1.5 hours to get from jb ciq to sg ciq due to the traffic congestion on the bridge. Where 2 lanes are taken up by lorries and vans, 1 lane for motorcycles and 1 for cars and buses. I have been doing this for a year. Long hour shifts 6 days a week. It takes a toll. Before making a decision to stay in jb, I really advice to see if your situation fits this style of living because you might be sacrificing your work life balance just to save on money.

[@oonie1576]

Most ppl don't do this to save money, they simply cant afford to stay in Singapore anymore. And for long term, we all know we are not getting younger each day, in JB, you can "OWN" stuffs that really belong to you eventually with cheap/reasonable price. Not the case in SG. So choose wisely when you are young and still capable of making and saving money for comfortable retirement.

[@HakuMata_Snacks]

Last year my parents came to JB and stayed in the same apartment that she rented. So I came to visit them after work and the following morning I came back to work (I start work at 830am) so I needed to leave 615-630 and walked to CIQ -> clear MY side of immigration -> queued for bus to cross over to SG (took about an hour) -> clear SG immigration -> took another bus to MRT -> took the MRT (at this point i was perspiring profusely and my shirt was wet because of it) -> took the bus to company, just to reach office I think 5 or 10 mins before I supposed to reach. 2 hours one way, I imagine doing this everyday. Kudos to you.

[@zhen86]

She able to start work at 10am where most start at 8.30am -9am. She also went home at 4.30pm

[@contrarian2496]

Agreed, there is a cost to everything, although Singaporeans can save money living in JB but they must sacrifice the commuting time and not forgetting the physical and mental damages to health long term.

[@Weechichi7238]

That’s correct to say, as I commented as well. This type of living style only work for self employed or business owners who have the luxury to drive in and out during non-peak hours. It is never meant for a regular person with 9 to 6 jobs. That is not reasonable to sacrifice sleep hours (at the risk of health deterioration) just for that ownership and maybe better life style (totally not with that short sleeping hours). So for a person with routine work hours, the only feasible option is to rent a place in Singapore to ensure a healthy career progression with enough sleep (like my early days) until stable enough to have the luxury to choose this life model. Cheers. Ps. Speaking from a self employed who drives in and out daily during non-peak hours

[@fed02]

I dont think I can live in JB and work in Singapore. The jam would make me go nuts. Imagine working late and caught in the jam for hours. I would really go crazy.

[@andreandree4384]

Thx for the video, was fun to watch 😊. As a foreign who used to work in sg years ago, I decided to move to Malaysia (kl) for better condition and life etc. Like chloe said, the people in Malaysia are friendlier! And this is sooo true: in sg, people are so stressed and not really friendly and always rushing here/there, and the island is too small, too crowded, too much rules (like Alan said), I feel more "free" in Malaysia and of course, I can have a big two bedrooms place in the golden triangle of KL 😅.. If it were in sg, it would cost me a kidney every month 🎉🎉😅..

[@ZamaniSahudi]

this is high quality vlog thanks for sharing 😍

[@Xffern]

Wow... I did this (exact method) twice in 2017 and this year 2023 and both times for 3 months each while my home was under full renovation. It was fun and easy in 2017 as grab, food, and shopping were cheaper while JB was more happening. In 2023, it became a different story, I moved over to JB just 6 months after covid border opening and during then it was quite sad to see the malls empty, restaurants, and some shops that I frequented shuttered. Rent, grab & food are much more expensive which I wondered "How ah.. for Malaysians who are earning ringgit..." Most importantly, customs are more stringent this time around. I got singled out to be questioned after officers see daily date stamps on my passport, especially during CNY period, I was in and out visiting relatives. After an officer start circling my passport stamp, the other officers also took note of my entry dates. So I had no choice but to stay with a friend in Singapore from time to time so that I can space out my dates entering JB. This whole method of staying in JB is foolproof for Malaysians or Singaporeans who OWNs a home in Msia. For others, can try at your own risk but I definitely saved a lot more on my accommodation in comparison to finding short-term accommodation in Singapore. Note: The most stringent check is the KTM train checkpoint.

[@Samlowkiapeng1888]

Own home also no use will kena question i think

[@janice3941]

How long u have to space ur stay in SG?

[@Xffern]

@@Samlowkiapeng1888 as long as u show the mysecondhome visa, you are safe

[@Xffern]

@@janice3941 just a few days only... the continuous consecutive date stamps on the passport pages are way too obvious.

[@xxxcool2565]

Apply for the MDAC which would enable you to use the autogate. No more chop and no more long queue. You just have to remember to register everyday online and take 2 mins tops.

[@abdulwahab419]

This is a really great series! Keep it up OGS!

[@justinzy5]

Start at 10 really help but most of us start at 8.30 and end 6pm. So if your job start 10 and end 4 then worth it or your working place is at woodland. Plus this haven’t count in OT you need to do sometime. Standby for IT personal can’t stay in JB also.

[@kenzone]

Thanks for doing this video. It brought back memories for me when I did exactly what you did, only I did it for nearly 12 years, from 2002 to 2014. A lot of highs and lows and commuting was one of the major lows. I enjoyed the laidback lifestyle and cheaper cost of living (saved a tonne of $$$), but like you, I missed the regular contact with friends and eventually decided to return home to SG. Would I do it again? Not if I could help it - the jams are much much worse now compared to when I was doing the commute by car in those days. Maybe when the MRT link comes up, I might have a change of heart. And yesJB is pretty safe. I never had any issues in my 12 years. You just have to learn to be smart on where and when you go places.

[@kite7976]

Were you questioned by the Authorities? how did you go about doing this without the visa run issue?

[@HweeMeng-e5s]

hey guys, Im a self employed singaporean wanting to move out of my parents place to be independent. im planning to live in JB and make visits (non-overnight, or overnight for a few days if necessary) to singapore once a week/fortnight to visit my parents. would i face problems at customs?

[@lecherhao86]

I'm a Singaporean. If I wanna list the three things that Singapore loses to Malaysia- soccer, food and warmth of people (人情味).

[@KeoNz]

I'm a Malaysian. If I wanna list few things that Malaysia loses to Singapore- Currency, Safety, Healthcare, clean & hygienic food, racism(种族歧视)

[@chuak.c7349]

​@KeoNz you forgot about corruption.

[@AdrianaRenald]

@@KeoNzas an expat in Malaysia, you Malays must be less lenient to other races. Unless you wish them to stomp you over. You’re too kind…❤

[@jamesmadison3108]

I went to a JB staycation for 4D3N and stayed in R&F princess cove too as well in December 2022. Loved the place and the unit. Similar to yours. It was pretty clean and its a relatively new condo. Will surely go back there if i were to book another staycation.

[@tedchill]

I wish the video covered visa perspectives as well, like how do Singaporeans commute back and force between JB and Singapore long term, not just for a week?

[@lindc1070]

It isnt legal to just stay without mm2h or a pass ( spouse or kids of Malaysians can get one). So from what I know most dont stay 30 days a month. They go back to SG and stay over off and on with family or friends. Like 7 to 8 days a month, weekends maybe

[@michaelseah9617]

Singaporean will be stop to enter JB daily after 90 days. Under the suspect of illegally working in Malaysia. I have been stop from entering once back to my JB house. Without MMH2 stay away for 48hrs every 90days.

[@ttii9]

Call for open borders

[@muzzplaygames]

Great video. I think the frequent commute real make sense for those younger people and flexible working hours. Cannot imagine how draining it could be for older or more aged people (maybe make sense if they can rest during the commuting). For those who may be doing extra hours or overtime definitely not so feasible. By then u may leave your office late hours and back to JB midnight or even skip dinner. Pros and cons to consider. Definitely those that still wfh surely benefits.

[@RayMak]

The jam to sg every morning can make people crazy

[@Cristian-tb4mq]

As an American. Hearing a 1 hour commute on the way back sounds very normal. The fact that he saves so much money is incredible to me.

[@ThisnametaKenny]

Probably shouldn't let the cat out of the bag but fastest way across the border during peak hour or any holiday is by bicycle or e-bike.

[@Weechichi7238]

As said and acknowledged by a few, this type of commute daily thru and fro Singapore only works for people who has the luxury to choose their traveling hours (eg. Business owners or self employed who can choose to travel in and out during non-peak hours) and skip the hefty jam. It is never meant for a person with regular 9 to 6 jobs to sacrifice the resting hours just to stay in JB for that luxury(not really when you don’t have enough sleep and at worst may hinder the growth progression of the career). Ps. Speaking from the point of view as a self employed who drives in and out daily during non peak hours.

[@munster1404]

I remembered an article from several years ago that a security officer from SG rents a terrace house in JB and was cheaper than maintaining a HDB in SG. Mind you that security officer was just earning 2K+ gross salary. To further emphasise the difference in cost of living between our two countries. Most of my Malaysian colleagues own multiple properties and vehicles because of how strong our SGD is. I think there are already plans to put our elderly in JB retirement homes. SG is tacitly for economically productive and vibrant young folks. Not exactly fit for retirement unless one is loaded with money.

[@m.a.i7324]

Yeah bcs jb is a city for low productive Malaysian that have low education bcs of laziness in school, thats why these peoples stay in jb because they want to work in sg. High educate and rich Malaysian lives in Kl/greater kl or klang valley area.

[@contrarian2496]

That's why the initial HSR plan was to shift the poorer Singaporeans to Malaysia too bad corruption collapsed the HSR project. Agree that plenty of low income people in Singapore, including Malaysians working in Singapore can easily afford bungalows and multiple sportscars in Malaysia due to the huge disparity in cost of living.

[@munster1404]

@@contrarian2496 I wasn’t aware that the HSR was partially designed to split Singapore families by transferring the poor to Malaysia.

[@munster1404]

@@contrarian2496 I mean it sort of makes sense anyway. Our own government can't force our elderly to relocate. Natural selection will do the job. As our cost of living keeps increasing, those average or lower middle class citizens would be smart enough to move away on their own. The implementation of the HSR will close the gap, making movement easier. Our retirees bring some SGD to Malaysia while we continue to absorb their talent to work here in SG. Singapore's space constrain means only the productive people are encouraged to stay, albeit temporarily until they become old themselves. While JB (Malaysia) will be our retirement village.

[@TFRO_madRobots]

​@@munster1404self proclaimed of course 😂

[@2SHEA]

We need a follow-up video explaining the risks of border regulation. I wanted to do this but some online forums say otherwise.

[@ttii9]

Demand for open borders.

[@NatilinSeah2918]

Of course there is a BIG reason why 300000 malaysians prefer to commute daily from JB, waking up at 3 or 4am... going through 2 hours of traffic and repeating the whole process after work at 6 or 7pm, than to just rent a room in SG and get more time to sleep and rest. They get to rent a whole apartment in JB for the same amount they spend on a room in SG plus much cheaper cost of living due to the currency exchange. In the long run, they can save much more of their salary instead of just wasting their money on a room in SG. 300000 people can't be wrong 😂

[@damienwanderer]

for malaysian, they get to own min a 3 bedder with jus a quarter of sg rental.

[@NatilinSeah2918]

​@@damienwandereryes its whether your body can take the daily commute. But for singaporeans thinking of doing this better reconsider for now. The malaysian immigration have been clamping down on non malaysian daily commuters. Better if use the E gate then might have chance cause no physical chops in passport 😅

[@phansus]

Consider the other angle, there are more than 300k malaysians staying in SG and not traveling in daily. Fun statistic,as foreigners, malaysians rank second (after china) in terms if sg property ownership

[@John_Smith_86]

They are right, but they are poor. Doesn't make as much financial sense for Singaporeans who are significant richer

[@raphaeltoh4892]

Maybe we can have another video on the regulations of this? I tried this out for a month (within the tourist visa timeframe) and even after a week of that stint, the officers were questioning my intent, and I only commute once a week. I had to show proof of the duration of my stay. So perhaps the separate video can share advise on how we can do this long term legally

[@Phoenixgurl005]

Yes I was wondering the same..

[@wave9303]

tourist will be a little be hard , except for singapore passport i think

[@Fitria111]

You can do this for long term if you hold valid working visa or valid visit pass (like LTVP, DP, PR) in Singapore. If you only use visitor passport to commute daily yes they will stop and question you after few trials

[@celestialstar124]

@@Fitria111 thanks for the explanation.

[@Jemolian]

Long term can be slight tough but people should enable to make use of the e gate so they don’t have to be questioned by customs

[@MISSpiggiie]

love this. what a fantastic series idea! excited to see more - considered this too, but too shag haha

[@xxxcool2565]

That (Your view) might change next year when GST is revised to 9% and prices of everything is going to increase by another 15-20% including rents. That time this will automatically seem viable.

[@coffeetimewithchloe]

Great content for this series. The host is good!

[@imanabdullah3263]

Seeing this and remembering the RTS project, makes me hoping for Msia and SG to work better planing more connection like from Punggol station to Pasir Gudang, then Tuas station to Sunway city

[@JaceTan-90]

Punggol Coast to Pasir Gudang connection is probably no brainer since there are factories there already just waiting for Singapore to capitalise on. Also, if Tuas links to Bandar Iskandar and Bukit Indah area, it’s another win for Tuas factories as SG can capitalise on manpower.

[@imanabdullah3263]

@@JaceTan-90 also they can later connect Pasir Gudang and tanjung pelepas via KTM lines connecting greater JB suburbs... Malaysia would only need to Upgrade their current KTM routes (pasir Gudang-Kempas- tanjung pelepas (maybe around nusajaya they would have to divert the line to go to iskandar pueteri instead of the port), they dont really need to buy lots of land...

[@sentinelsamurai]

ar'nie is so sweet. learning much from this series!

[@keokhuatee2662]

Kampung spirit exists if you're lucky enough to bump into easy going and helpful neighbours. In KL for instance, kampung spirit is only prevalent in the suburbs.

[@MrNamesNoMore]

Wonderful video, I myself was constantly considering to move to JB to stay especially since I still am in a WFH arrangement. Just that finding a new social group is tough as it is in Singapore, so I can only imagine being harder in JB.

[@zo3478]

In fact socially, it's even harder in JB. Public recreation facilities or even public space is almost non-existent, you wouldn't even be able to walk more than 5 minutes from your home without being barricaded by car-centric infrastructure. Also with their silly 'multiracialism' ideology which defines people by their race rather than uniting everyone as Malaysian there are hardly any common grounds bridging anyone with their wider community. The video mentioned the feeling of 'kampong spirit' which doesn't apply if you don't belong to one of the big three. They all live in their closed bubbles reserved for their communities only whether that be race, language or socio-economic status.

[@janice3941]

How do u get visa? Is chopping in and out daily allowed?

[@whybotherha1021]

@@zo3478 yah one big tree. Just like yours. One big trees of expats.

[@ttii9]

Open borders can remedy that situation.

[@hammiestudioproductions2514]

for 10am to reach your office , the peak hours at the checkpoint is not that serious. the serious peak period is for those who work like 8-9am in singapore. before covid, i did shared with my friends to rent a landed house in JB (at Tun Aminah). conclusion for me in living in jb and singapore, i prefer jb more then sg as wad alan and chole had said too. more freedom, time is actually abit slower then in Singapore where everyday is a stressful and rush day no matter is working time or non working time. people in msia are more friendly (the kampung spirits) then in sg which you can barely see . different people have different aspect. so is actually subjective. For malaysian who work in sg prefer to stay in jb is because singapore rental too expensive. instead of coming singapore to earn more money to bring back for their family, they now giving back lessser money back home if they rent in singapore. I totally respect all those people no matter is singaporeans who live in jb or msian that work in singapore and travel to and fro everyday.. Its a really tiring journey..

[@ar04097]

I wish I could do this while working in SG(being a foreigner). In past, I lived in Malaysia for 3 years and loved it. Now I'm working from home in SG for 2 years and paying sgd 3500 rent a month

[@franklopez2969]

Im from California, moving to retire in Malaysia in about a year. I'm just checking what life is like there. I dont know your travel distance, but in Los Angels driving to downtown; which is 40 miles/ 64 kilometers, usually takes 1 hour if you are lucky!

[@ChinchillaBONK]

Your timing is perfect. I am considering this these few months. But when i searched online, it's mostly info before the pandemic.

[@gl1363]

I been shuttling between Sg and Jb for 5 years due to business on both sides of border. I have to agree it's tougher for those with fixed working hours.

[@babihutan5949]

lots of singaporeans are moving to jb and other parts of malaysia and even though i might sound selfish i dont think its good for the malaysians in malaysia as it is driving up rent and housing prices in malaysia

[@KeoNz]

it goes both ways. Malaysians have been inflating the job market and bringing down salaries in Singapore as well.

[@sleepy_dobe]

All I can say is......greedy landlords. I've been renting out my common room for over 10 years and my rent has never been increased, regardless of tenant. It doesn't have AC but it's within 10mins walk to a MRT station. The rent has been at $500/month since forever, except when it's 2 tenants sharing instead of 1 person. Never had a problem with cost even now with the increased cost of utilities.

[@t321-n7e]

As a smoker I like Malaysia due to their culture (as long you don't bother others others will not bother you) in Singapore zero tolerance culture we just don't like each other, you can see it in their eyes

[@ocswoodlands]

Assuming the delta for transportation time from JB to Raffles Place vs AMK to Raffles (to and fro) place is 3 hrs daily - for a 22 day work month, that is a 66 hr wasted on transport. The opportunity cost conservatively at $12/hr would mean the commuting opportunity cost is $792. So the true cost of living in JB is $1692.

[@iLoveTaeyeonSNSD]

can't even get anything decent in SG for $1692 lol. a tiny studio apartment in SG cost >$2000.

[@youtubegoogle5113]

This assumes zero commuting time if living in Singapore. Someone with a higher opportunity cost per hour could also opt for private transportation which will decrease total commute time.

[@Samlowkiapeng1888]

Can do things while commuting

[@KaraNara-h7j]

The tricks is in the timing and mode of transport. To circumvent jam, travel outside working hours and use train or bus.

[@xsamsamx]

Love this! Kim did such a great job on this :)

[@ShhhHhhhz]

traffic traffic traffic, shawn and alan had a flexible timing, try peak hours when your work starts at 9 ends at 5. Bonus sch holidays and long weekends

[@karenleano2085]

OMG!! R&F condo, this is the exact place where I stayed when I made an exit from SG and stayed here for a couple of days (HOPE, right?)Really luxurious condo I must say! And there is a mall also so it is really accessible to almost eveything you need!

[@NatilinSeah2918]

Exit from SG, go in Malaysia couple of days and then enter Singapore again to find a job? Better be careful, Malaysian immigration know this is the tactic foreigners use to get a fresh 30 day visa for Singapore. Especially people from the Philippines, who are very fond of doing this

[@karenleano2085]

@@NatilinSeah2918 yeah, am very much aware of this. Was able to go back to sg from jb seamlessly. I just showed my return ticket from sg to ph.

[@jessicalim1379]

Reflect: Indeed Malaysia is a branded country without brand. Meaning that Malaysia is good (branded) but humble (no brand). *May God blessed all people around the world who really appreciate the inner beauty of Malaysia truly Asia Country. God Is Love!* 佩（贝）玲笔。🙏🏻💕🌻🇲🇾🌎💕🌈

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Interesting, well-made video. I'll get back to my Changi T3-The Jewel commute problem.

[@ChantelleCalyssaMoore]

*I’m going to rent a condo in JB soon. Very cheap and have bathtub. RM1100 only compared to Singapore very expensive. Sg condos very expensive only caters to the rich*

[@auleotravel]

Advisable not to travel daily in and out for non Malaysian foreigner to stay in JB. Without a long stay Visa, it's not right to do so , custom officers could stop and ask why you travel everyday.

[@eatdrinkrunwalk]

Oic....I didn't know we need long term visa to stay in JB and cannot keep traveling in and out daily

[@NatilinSeah2918]

​@@eatdrinkrunwalknow malaysian immigration are clamping down on this daily commuters, last time for years they just close one eye 😊

[@jeslyny9692]

Yes will get into trouble at custom as they know itz to save money only

[@lindc1070]

I know some who but on and off stay in SG , at least twice a month for a few days.

[@TheAlanDopez]

Exactly my first impression when I first saw this video

[@eugenekuacheemeng]

the causeway jam (at least for public transport users) is largely man-made. With proper (and I mean necessary) design and system, it could take less buses deployed to provide loop service just between the two checkpoints, where buses can arrive at a checkpoint pickup point every 2 to 5 minutes, significantly resolving a large chunk of problem of travelling between JB and Singapore, and we will never need multiple bus companies creating mess at Kranji MRT, Woodlands MRT, Yishun interchanges etc with mostly below par frequency.

[@hbtan9841]

very informative, I actually finished the entire video!

[@keegankit2863]

If you dont have Long term visa pass , I do not think you could travel daily as you like using Social Visit pass. Nowadays the Malaysia immigration is very strict not like last time

[@sureintfsg1042]

SO I've been here in Singapore for 23 years as a Malaysian, so there are many other areas to be considered which isn't covered in the video, nevertheless thank you for all the hard work putting up this video.

[@Steven-qs7zp]

Which area?

[@chuongtuan1983]

Thanks for sharing, from VN

[@bellaramlan9941]

I was one of those kids that have to brave through the causeway jam up till my sec 4 time. Idk how I did it and was probably running running on adrenaline by the time o level hits 😅😂… But 10/10 would NOT do it again. I’m constantly tired now and always finding pockets of time to sleep. I can’t stand standing in line anymore now too. I’m always jealous of those kids who gotten on the school bus but I have to line up in queue with the rest 🫠Not only that, the number of time I’ve been molested and felt hands under my school skirt while being pushed and squeeze into the bus. I can’t even count man… I rather struggle in sg than having my own family and kids go through that just to save money 😢

[@Zmz-tw7gq]

They one missing out is the one who not bought any properties 15-20 years ago in Singapore. It's only gonna get more expensive with increasing population in such a small island

[@isaaclim9559]

OMG the disco elysium phone cover!! Kimberly is a cultured woman.

[@littleowlfamily]

A good content 👍. Cost of living and Space are beginning to diminish in Sg.

[@BangiSalam]

Beautiful video

[@willielim4297]

more such videos with subtitles pls. more more.

[@NigelYap]

The commute was so much easier when I used to do it in the mid 90s but with the traffic now I'm not sure I can do the same as I had when I was a tenn

[@NigelYap]

But JB has also changed from when I was a teen. It isn't as seedy as it used to be. It could still be better but it has improved a lot

[@jasonlim4027]

If the daily commuting time can be within 2 hours per way, guess the traveling time is still bearable. However, 1 week stay are too short to determine the suitability to stay in jb while working in Singapore. And definitely needed a personal car while living in jb, or at least lived near a shopping mall or shopping area within walking distance from places of accommodation.

[@zerinism4111]

I think the HSR project will continue and it will ease everyone to commute daily JB - SG

[@ln2887]

RTS is between JB and SG. HSR is between KL and SG.

[@qw-tr6fm]

I used to commute between countries many years ago, when I was single. That changed when I got married and have kids. Johor is cheap, interesting, but than there are many trade offs. Family security is one of them. Getting rob, or things stolen is not unheard of in Johor. Of which I had some nasty experience.

[@eddy-currents]

What's not addressed in this video is how many Singaporeans are essentially priced out of living in their own country

[@vandarkholme7759]

say cheers to pay depressing foreigners

[@agl5772]

You should stay in somewhere like Skudai or Kulai...and do the experiment from there instead of R&F apartment,lol ...then u will know how tough life is haha

[@richmondang1591]

Very true!

[@deadiraterobot]

I am surprised that her work hours are just between 10am to 420pm. Assuming only a 20min lunch, that means she works six hours a day. Her timings make the trip a lot more bearable. Traveling in the early morning and late evening is likely going to be more difficult.

[@revolusirevolusi-jw7tn]

If she's a journalist it probably means she has to do work outside of those hours.

[@jchantw]

True.. her fren advice is very true, n she don't accept it bec it doesn't fit her aim for this video.. she only want to hear and for her audience to hear.. the other guy is a jhk, of course he won't say he dun mind live in jb , travel like hell everyday to sg, bec 1: 3.45.. who dun want?? She take the very easy way to go into jb by train on non peak hrs, try buying the tickets for everyday to n fro see can get or not.. also, haven't say the safety issues.. all she say is rent is very high in sg then go jb cheaper.. if she so smart, everyone in sg already did before her video here lo.. biased video with pointed aims..

[@xxxcool2565]

@@jchantw your comment won't age well i guarantee you that. Come, we revisit this sometime middle of next year when the 9% GST kicks in and Singaporean feel the full force of increased price. I won't be surprised average meal at hawker center will be closer to $10 next year and rents will increase another 10-15%. See if you still can enjoy quality of life given the rising cost unless you earn alot of money

[@shutengloke5907]

The best time to travel in the morning is actually during peak hours. That's when immigration/custom officer are at their full force. Actually the bottleneck is not caused by the number of daily travelers. It is caused by the lack of officers/immigration counters available.

[@jeslyny9692]

Yeah now train tickets very hard to get

[@MavicOng]

Hey yo! I’m Mavic! I really like your video sharing your experiences. If you’d need any tour guides around JB we can be friends! 😂😂

[@izzatfauzimustafa6535]

Those terribly long queues at border checkpoints may not be worthful in the long run. It's a soul-crushing routine, especially when it involves commuting between international borders. I understand that some ppl in SG will always bring up "cost savings" as the major point of moving to JB, but sooner or later the long-term physical and psychological fatigue of being international border commuters will catch up on you.

[@yklai5229]

I just drop by to give a like for the works you’ve done to put up this video

[@methewolf]

Great interesting video, thank you

[@musenw8834]

Some of the Malaysian classmates and colleagues i met before, they would always discuss about how the traffic was this and that and they'd catch the bus on friday nights back home. I suppose for some it's a struggle and for others it might be a okay. But for one thing the difference in average pace of life can mean the world to some.

[@classicalmah8585]

Go go go Alan. I love your musical talents. The singing canto song I enjoyed. ❤👍 👏

[@cm9166]

Jb and Singapore are a combined region instead of different country in name. But all people working here are similar mindset and from my personal point of view, it is fine whether you stay in Jb or SG, we are under same region that want Jb and SG become better

[@khainuraizan94]

Im a singaporean working in singapore but I lived in KL and only commute to SG when I work straight 15 days a month:')

[@TheStudio-div]

dang, we need a HSR

[@amys4008]

Of course I will move to JB IF i work from 10am-4pm, and take grab everyday. 🙄

[@cquek77]

With RTS, it makes it even more convenient for ppl to travel in to reduce cost of living, i believe thats the gist of this YT, and thousands of other folks. Just pop in, get ur stuff, and return back SG. Of cos do the math, not everything is 1/3 cheaper, and most things are priced for SG-reans wallets anyway. Might not even be necessary to rent/buy a place inside and wake up earlier to get to work. Best of both worlds - live in SG, work in SG, buy ur major items, pump petrol in JB. Just my 2cents, we all have to make what works for us EoD