HardwareZone Forum Johor Bahru, Malaysia Update: Community Insights and Analysis (05 Dec – 02 Jan 2025)

Executive Summary

HardwareZone’s Life Style forum discussions reveal a strong interest among Singaporeans in cross-border activities, particularly concerning Johor Bahru (JB). Key topics include travel logistics, property investment, dining experiences, and cost comparisons between Singapore and Malaysia. The community actively shares firsthand experiences, tips, and warnings, showcasing a practical and cost-conscious approach to lifestyle choices. Recent discussions highlight the implementation of QR code scanning at border checkpoints, leading to mixed user feedback, and the ongoing debate about the reliability and cost-effectiveness of different transportation options. 

Key Developments

Border Crossing and Immigration

The implementation of QR code scanning at Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints has been a significant recent development. Some users reported that the QR code lanes, initially designated as “QR Code Only,” were also accepting passports. This caused confusion and varied user experiences.

I returned yesterday and joined one of the many QR Code Only lanes coz quite a number in front were scanning their passport instead. I walked into the premises with only my passport in my hand…Yes, I scanned my passport and got out, just a few seconds longer than those fidgeting with their phones and having to check if their phone screen went dimmed. Boleh! – Habrosus (05 Dec 2024)

Those tagged as QR, can also use passports – hwsstx (05 Dec 2024)

This led to some frustration as users noted that the “Only” designation was not being strictly enforced, and that using a passport was often faster. The new system also highlighted issues with phone screen dimming during QR code scanning, causing delays.

Tuas new QR code only express lane is up and running…There is going to be a flood of how to not dim my screen posts everywhere Anyone tried screenshot? Technically it shouldn’t work. – Aaagogo (05 Dec 2024)

I managed to successfully scan the generated QR code stored on the “MYICA” app w/o connecting it to an internet connection. FYI for everyone. For your next trip, some of the forum members can pls help to validate this finding. Thank you. – cryn79 (08 Dec 2024)

On 8 December 2024, there was a major system failure at the JB CIQ autogates, affecting tens of thousands of travelers and causing long queues. This incident raised concerns about the reliability of the new system.

Sibei tua ki. E-gates at JB checkpoints were down for a few hours, resulting in long queues on Dec. 8 afternoon. – SongManKranji (08 Dec 2024)

It seems BSI jam crazy as all systems down – ie E-Gate & MY’s new QR Code down. This for Entry & Exit JB. All Systems include Officer are unable to scan passports too. Verification is done by passport holders stating his/her name & officer will stamp & write a code besides the stamp if name is stated correctly. – hwsstx (08 Dec 2024)

Transportation and Travel

Discussions on transportation options revealed varying preferences. While Grab remains popular, users highlighted price surges and inconsistent car quality. The CW bus service continues to be a preferred option for many, but timing and route variations were noted. Carpooling was mentioned, but is considered illegal in Singapore. Air Asia ride was noted to have limited presence.

I already said info is good. already tried many times in PEN KUL, sometimes in JB. if u dun even try pls dun come out & shoot down is not reliable. probably u drive/grab & dun even take bus. – rrr2015 (05 Dec 2024)

Now getting better and better, with Lugo app can even see where is the bus now. Don’t rely with Google maps for bus timing and bus stop. Lugo way better. – oceanpriest (05 Dec 2024)

Youtrip payment not that immediate, so some platforms may have problem with Youtrip. That’s why I use Youtrip to top up GrabPay, every time I book a grab, will use GrabPay wallet. GrabPay also accepted in many payment platforms in JB. Didn’t try air asia ride. – Andrew833 (06 Dec 2024)

If u want to get yelled at, can. They are newer machines – Aaagogo (05 Dec 2024)

The discussion also covered the use of various mobile apps for transportation and currency exchange. YouTrip and Revolut were frequently mentioned for their competitive exchange rates.

Youtrip not bad ….3.292 – vaxvms (07 Dec 2024)

Revolut 3.30 – Elon Jobs (10 Dec 2024)

Property and Investment

Discussions about property in JB included both residential and commercial aspects. Concerns about construction quality, especially with developers like Setia, were raised, and the quality of materials used was questioned. Some users mentioned the potential for rental income and passive income from dual key units.

The issues is the material used in building the condo is substandard, without noise blocking effect. All the condo at bukit indah is built by setia… Setia is known for poor construction quality… – Coffeelix (06 Dec 2024)

This one is better. It is facing Legoland and it is a dual key unit. Both dual key has 1 bed and 1 bath and total floor area 1288 sq ft, so each dual key unit is about 600 sq ft, quite a good size. U can keep one for own stay and the other lease for passive income. only 1 set of maintenance fee. Best of both worlds. – Coffeelix (06 Dec 2024)

Beware. Income tax for rental for foreigners is 30%. – Coffeelix (05 Dec 2024)

There was also discussion about the perceived safety of different areas in JB. Some users cautioned about daylight robberies and the need for vigilance.

Recently I was in KL, got one time the trip had to cross like 3 to 4 tolls … I think RM 6 – 8 more… frm KL Sentral to Shah Alam I met an unreasonable driver in KL who attempted to ask for more payment after we loaded our luggages into the boot – tiertime (23 Dec 2024)

Food and Dining

The forum is a treasure trove of dining recommendations, with users sharing their favorite spots in JB. These range from affordable local eateries to Japanese restaurants and cafes. Specific areas like Bukit Indah, Taman Austin, and Perling were frequently mentioned.

Mee, when u are around sutera mall, do try out this Japanese restaurant opposite Peking restaurant at sutera. Affordable and nice food I particularly enjoy the set meal with shashimi, sushi, udong, steam egg, salad n fruits at Rm32.90 very good price. Also love the matcha ice cream green tea at Rm9.90 superbly good – Coffeelix (06 Dec 2024)

Probably if u do grab to Perling Hong Kor for the famous fish head steamboat and fried sambal kangkong, yam ring with kou Lou York, or tian lai for the crabs, Ding jia nu for the fried fish rice, hai Ke for kopi… – Coffeelix (08 Dec 2024)

There were also discussions about the quality of food in JB, with some users noting that it was often better value than in Singapore. The discussion also highlighted the popularity of specific items like Roti Canai Sarang Burung.

On sat, I finally got a chance to eat it. The roti canai was fluffly and crispy. The mutton was very tender and the gravy was not spicy. Overall, I did enjoy the meal. It was very obvious the stall ppl tht I was a sinkie. There was no price listed for the food. Therefore, I was not sure was I over charged for the Roti Canai + mutton? Price: Roti Canai Sarang Burung: RM 7 + Mutton: RM 10 Total: RM 17 – cryn79 (09 Dec 2024)

Community Insights

User Experiences

Users shared a wide range of firsthand experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences highlighted the diversity of opinions and approaches to living and traveling in JB. One user described a smooth experience using the QR code system while another user detailed the system failure at JB CIQ.

I managed to successfully scan the generated QR code stored on the “MYICA” app w/o connecting it to an internet connection. FYI for everyone. For your next trip, some of the forum members can pls help to validate this finding. Thank you. – cryn79 (08 Dec 2024)

Today unlucky. JB CIQ autogate system down. Was there at about 3+pm but luckily queue still moving. My friend said its not often that the system is down. – Beefsteak (08 Dec 2024)

Some users expressed frustration with crowded conditions and time limitations in Singaporean F&B establishments, while praising the more relaxed atmosphere in JB.

With recent travels to JB these days, we don’t eat out much in Singapore anymore…we went to a restaurant in down town. We haven’t even sat down staff were already giving warnings “you only have 90 mins”. What a warm welcome to the start of my meal I thought. – Meemoosaa (15 Dec 2024)

I find many JB condos not good for long term stay. They like to built near the main roads. And the johoreans like to speed with their bikes (ie can hear the F1 sound often) I was staying at very high floor. Above 20 plus levels and still can hear the sound clearly. – ST9611 (06 Dec 2024)

Other users shared personal stories of encountering dishonest drivers or witnessing robberies, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant. There was also much discussion about the quality of construction in JB and the potential for noise pollution.

One time after eating at one of those Bukit Indah shophouses, after payment boss told us to be careful of our bags when heading out and about. It was approaching evening so I asked if it’s because it’s more dangerous at night, he laughed and said the robbers operate 24/7. lol – Meemoosaa (18 Dec 2024)

Tips and Recommendations

The forum is filled with practical tips and recommendations, often based on user experiences. These include advice on using specific apps for transportation, finding affordable food options, and making the most of a trip to JB.

Whatever amount they say I will counter $30 and they’re usually ok with it. I think can even go down to $25 if two of u go same location ($50 for 2). I only take past midnight, so still cheaper than taking grab from woodlands train station/queen st terminal to my home. – oceanpriest (05 Dec 2024)

For food, nearest is TUTA for morning and lunch. Evening est. 90% close. For kids, Paradigm mall is heaven. – Andrew833 (10 Dec 2024)

Download myica app to generate qr code. – twosix (14 Dec 2024)

Many users recommended specific pharmacies and supermarkets in JB for purchasing medications and groceries at lower prices. There were also tips on how to navigate the border crossings more efficiently.

Generic Anti histamines – Cetirizine. One box (100 tablets)

Shop around. Certain things eg Caltrate Calcium+D Plus I get from Caring which can be RM 30 cheaper than Watsons/Guardian. Lady’s stuffs for past 2 months I see Guardian prices are lower than Watsons. – hwsstx (13 Dec 2024)

At CIQ lim kopi in orpit Near CIQ lim kopi kedai mamak oppo Komtar – Habrosus (06 Dec 2024)

Users also shared their experiences with different accommodations, often recommending Airbnb over hotels for longer stays, and highlighting specific areas known for their amenities and convenience.

If u want to get yelled at, can. They are newer machines – Aaagogo (05 Dec 2024)

I find Sky View location is rather central… Not sure about the quality of windows will help block the noise of traffic or not… Today found 2 shops selling fresh veggies n fruits and witnessed a few housewives walked from Sky View to buy there… Best of all, come Friday to Sunday, there is the Bukit indah morning market … CW bus will bring you to the main road and sky view is within walking distance only.,, I didn’t buy any unit here cos foreigners must buy Rm1 million. Else, this will b my choice in Bukit indah cos many eateries around with CW bus close by, yet it is quiet … – Coffeelix (10 Dec 2024)

Important Considerations

The forum discussions also highlighted important considerations for those planning trips to JB. Several users warned about the risk of petty crime, including pickpocketing and snatch thefts.

I’ve been warned twice now by JB shop owner and staff about daylight robbery in their area. One time after eating at one of those Bukit Indah shophouses, after payment boss told us to be careful of our bags when heading out and about. – Meemoosaa (18 Dec 2024)

Once me and my friend was threatened with iron bar before the old CIQ as my friend refused to give way when they tried to cut in. – jasvonvios (18 Dec 2024)

Be mindful going into JB this period for their defeat – hwsstx (23 Dec 2024)

Users also stressed the importance of checking travel insurance and ensuring that it covers medical emergencies, especially given the potential for accidents and inconsistent standards of care in Malaysian hospitals.

If you need medical help, the SOP is ambulance will bring you to their GOV hospital. (If you wanna go private hospital need activate private ambulance, i bet you also dunno whats the private ambulance number. Me too.. lol) – potato13 (02 Jan 2025)

I do not trust their Gov hospital, so if you have travel insurance that cover emergency evacuation.. Just get the Gov hospital to give morphine jab, wait for the evacuation ambulance come, straight back SG hospital… – potato13 (02 Jan 2025)

Furthermore, users highlighted the need to be aware of the legal status of properties in JB, noting that some are sold under private lease schemes with limited ownership rights.

Certain Johor condos are sold under a private lease scheme, where the buyer does not own the property but instead, buys a lease: – SongManKranji (27 Dec 2024)

they are not even leasehold owners. They can’t rent or sell without developer approval. They can’t vote or attend msct. They have zero rights to the property. If the developers folds the creditors get the property. How is that the same as yours? – chehjin (26 Dec 2024)

The discussions also cautioned against self-medicating and advised seeking advice from pharmacists regarding drug interactions.

Do check with jb pharmacist whether otc flu medicine can b taken with your regular medicine … Don’t self medicate n up lorry – Coffeelix (12 Dec 2024)

Finally, some users noted that some shops in JB are known to target Singaporeans with inflated prices.

I was very obvious the stall ppl tht I was a sinkie. There was no price listed for the food. Therefore, I was not sure was I over charged for the Roti Canai + mutton? – cryn79 (09 Dec 2024)

Looking Ahead

The forum discussions suggest that the trend of Singaporeans traveling to JB for leisure, shopping, and dining will likely continue. The opening of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) is a highly anticipated event that could significantly impact travel between Singapore and JB, but the discussion showed a lack of faith in the public transport system. The community also seems to be awaiting the implementation of the new food safety bill, in hopes of seeing an improvement in food safety standards.

Now transfer this situation to RTS – Aaagogo (09 Dec 2024)

As with my trust in our MRT system, I feel safer on the ground. CWL will continue to be my best friend. – Habrosus (09 Dec 2024)

I think the whole bill is like to revamp the whole system. The old system became too complicated and cumbersome to maintain. – chehjin (01 Jan 2025)

Users are also closely monitoring the strength of the Singapore dollar against the Malaysian ringgit, as this directly impacts the cost-effectiveness of their trips. There is also a sense of anticipation about any changes to the regulations regarding the amount of bak kwa that can be brought back to Singapore.

May RM rise to 3.5 Huat ah. – SongManKranji (01 Jan 2025)

I tot come 2025, each returning sg resident can bring back about 10 kg of bak kwa… there is some news on this last year… – Coffeelix (01 Jan 2025)

The community continues to share their experiences and insights, providing a valuable resource for Singaporeans looking to navigate the complexities of living and traveling in JB.