Hawkers and retailers in Singapore were reported to have experienced a drop in sales following the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border on 1 April.
According to a report by The Straits Times, it is said that the decrease in sales was mainly caused by Malaysians who reside in Singapore returning home and Singaporeans opting to shop in Malaysia due to the cheaper prices here.
Several business owners at Marsiling Mall, Marsiling Lane Food Centre and Woodlands MRT station said they felt the departure of Malaysian workers who were previously stuck in Singapore during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“Our sales have dropped by about 30%, I usually won’t be so free at this time,” shared a 46-year-old beef noodle stall worker.
As for the others, many foresee their sales dropping further with the reopening of the border.
“Both Malaysian and Singapore customers will prefer shopping in Malaysia because of the cheaper prices and the favourable exchange rate,” an accessories shop worker explained.
Meanwhile, most business owners hope that their business will recover once Malaysians start commuting to Singapore for work again.
“The Malaysian workers will return to work in Singapore anyway, it is a temporary issue. They are finally able to return home freely. I am happy for them,” another hawker stall owner shared.
