Business owners in Johor say they are expecting a surge of shoppers from Singapore in the final two weekends of 2025, despite a slower-than-usual start to the year-end period. Businesses noted that crowds from across the Causeway have yet to fully return, according to The Star, but attributed this largely to rainy weather rather than the strengthening of the Malaysian ringgit. Weather plays a more significant role rather than strong ringgit Johor Bahru Small Businesses Association chairman Tey Tian Hwang said that an increase in visitors from Singapore is expected soon. He also believes that numbers from Singapore had not picked up yet largely due to gloomy weather conditions rather than the stronger ringgit. “While the stronger ringgit may have some effect, I believe the weather plays a more significant and decisive role.” Tey added that Singaporeans are likely to return regardless, particularly during the year-end period. He also pointed out that although the ringgit has strengthened, the Singapore dollar still remains more than three times stronger. “So, it will not really be much of an issue as they can still enjoy cheaper prices for goods and services here.” Photo from Canva #tiktoksg #sgnews
