Singaporeans still find good value in Malaysia despite ringgit's rise

Firmer currency has also made Republic more attractive to Malaysian visitors

- Chor Khieng Yuit Senior Business Correspondent and Harith Mustaffa

Although the stronger ringgit has made it slightly more expensive for Singaporeans to shop and spend across the Causeway, many still see good value in Malaysia.

At the same time, the firmer currency has made Singapore more attractive to Malaysians, who now need fewer ringgit to fund their shopping trips here.

The ringgit has been strengthening against the Singdollar in recent weeks, with the Malaysian currency at 3.1792 on Nov 22. That is around its strongest level so far in 2025. The currency traded above RM3.30 per Singdollar earlier in 2025.

But regular visitors to Malaysia say the stronger ringgit will not stop them from travelling across the Causeway.

Mr Song Seng Wun, an independent economist who goes to Johor for the food, noted that Singaporeans and residents generally still feel that the Singdollar is getting them “good value”. For example, a plate of noodles costs around RM10, which is $3.15, he said.

Travel is also convenient, as Mr Song can simply hop on a Causeway Link bus that takes him directly to popular spots in Johor Bahru.

“Tap on and tap off the bus. It is so easy, much like how you tap on and off the public buses in Singapore,” he said, adding that many Singaporeans even take their shopping trolleys with them on the bus.

Mr Song added that other services Singaporeans enjoy in Malaysia, such as car washes, cost RM18 per wash, which is around $5.70 at the current exchange rate, compared with a basic car wash in Singapore that costs between $10 and $35.

Sales manager Arifz Rudyman, who recently went to JB on Nov 13, when the exchange rate was RM3.1746 per Singdollar, noted that “the savings are still there as long as it is hovering around RM3 against the Singdollar”.

A regular visitor to Malaysia, he added that there are also other perks that make the trip across the Causeway worthwhile, even with the ringgit at stronger levels.