A Singaporean man recently took to social media to caution his fellow citizens about the risks of shopping in Malaysia during the festive season, recounting his own experience of being robbed there. However, his warning was met with a mix of amusement and criticism from Malaysian netizens, who took offense to his suggestion that Singaporeans should avoid their country.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that the glass on his car window was smashed while he was shopping in Johor Bahru, and his belongings were stolen. In response to his harrowing experience, he urged those planning to shop in Malaysia during the festive season to be cautious and vigilant.
However, his warning did not sit well with Malaysian netizens, who were quick to point out that their country’s economy heavily relies on Singaporean tourists, particularly during the festive season. Many businesses in Johor Bahru, in particular, depend on Singaporeans for a significant portion of their income.
One Malaysian netizen wrote, “Singaporeans are some of our most valued customers, especially during the festive season. We would hate for them to be discouraged from visiting us due to unfounded fears.”
Another commented, “The previous lockdowns took a significant toll on our businesses. We rely on Singaporeans to help us get back on our feet. It’s disappointing to see someone spreading negativity instead of supporting our recovery.”
Despite the initial backlash, the man’s post has since been shared widely, with some Singaporeans expressing sympathy for his experience and promising to be more cautious in the future. However, many have also urged Singaporeans to continue supporting Malaysian businesses, especially during the festive season.
In response to the criticism, the man has since clarified his stance, emphasizing that he did not intend to discourage anyone from visiting Malaysia. “I understand that many businesses in Malaysia rely on Singaporean tourists for their income, especially during the festive season. I didn’t mean to discourage anyone from visiting, but I do hope that everyone stays vigilant and takes the necessary precautions to stay safe,” he said.
It’s important to note that while caution is always necessary when traveling, especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s equally important to support our neighbors and promote cross-border relationships. Let’s continue to