Johor Bahru locals say “Singapore pricing” is pushing them out of downtown

JOHOR BAHRU — After nearly an hour walking through stalls at the Johor Jaya Chinese New Year bazaar, William Sim and his family bought only a few sticks of fried snacks.

They left the bazaar on Feb 10 without bags of festive goods, even as Chinese New Year drew near. Mr Sim, a 32-year-old business owner who lives in the Mount Austin suburb, said the visit was mainly to check what was on offer.

He said his family was holding back because they expect better deals closer to the holiday. He used the local term “lelong”, meaning last-minute fire-sale discounts, to describe the price cuts he hopes to catch on the final day.

Why some shoppers are waiting for “lelong” deals

Mr Sim said he did not see prices as unusually high. Still, he believes waiting could stretch his budget.

For some families, that approach is part of a wider shift in spending habits. Browsing first, buying later, and targeting end-of-season markdowns are becoming more common tactics.

It also reflects growing caution among local shoppers.

“Singapore pricing” becomes a local shorthand

Residents told The Straits Times they feel increasingly “priced out” in parts of Johor Bahru, especially downtown.

Some have begun calling it “Singapore pricing”. The phrase refers to higher prices that locals link to cross-border shoppers and their stronger spending power.

In simple terms, “Singapore pricing” is a local label for goods and services that feel set for visitors rather than residents.

Congestion and parking add to the frustration

Price is not the only concern.

Locals also pointed to heavy congestion and parking problems in central areas. Together, these factors make downtown shopping feel less worthwhile, especially for routine purchases.

As a result, some residents are changing where and how they shop.

Suburbs and hypermarkets are drawing more locals

More Johor residents appear to be shifting to hypermarkets in suburban areas that are seen as more budget-friendly.

The areas mentioned include Masai, Permas Jaya, Pulai and Skudai. For many households, these locations offer a more predictable shopping experience, with easier parking and fewer crowds.

That matters when families are trying to manage tight budgets.

Online platforms help stretch the ringgit

E-commerce is also playing a bigger role.

Some residents said they are turning to platforms such as Shopee and Lazada to get better value. The appeal is straightforward: more price comparisons, frequent promotions, and the ability to shop without the hassles of traffic and parking.

Others are taking an even simpler route. They are buying less overall.

Johor Bahru’s festive season is still drawing crowds, but the tone among many locals is changing. With “Singapore pricing” becoming a common complaint, more residents are shifting spending to suburbs, moving online, or delaying purchases in search of last-minute bargains.