Rising Living Costs Drive Even Average Singaporeans to Consider Moving to Malaysia, Resident Tells MP Jamus Lim

SINGAPORE: Workers’ Party MP Jamus Lim recently shared a conversation that left a strong impression, where a resident expressed concerns over rising housing costs in Singapore. In a post on Wednesday (Aug 28), Assoc Prof Lim recalled that, during conversations with locals, while some inquire about the upcoming elections, many focus on Singapore’s high cost of living. One resident shared that, with housing prices “becoming unbearably high,” even some “regular Singaporeans” are relocating to Malaysia.

Assoc Prof Lim, representing the Anchorvale ward in Sengkang, noted this trend isn’t entirely new, as Malaysians who work in Singapore have often made this choice, along with retirees looking to stretch their savings. However, he observed that it now includes average Singaporeans finding it challenging to secure affordable housing.

Although he acknowledged the significant time cost for those who commute across the Causeway, he reflected on the broader implications, questioning whether rising living costs may affect Singaporeans’ “sense of rootedness and belonging” in the nation, especially as public policy has traditionally promoted accessible housing.

This issue, he suggested, might shift the perception of homeownership toward a more transactional mindset, where flats are increasingly viewed as opportunities for government grants or rental income rather than places to settle and belong.

Despite these concerns, Prof Lim noted that many residents are still proud of their homes and pleased with life in Sengkang. For policy considerations, however, he believes it’s essential to understand how rising costs impact Singaporeans not only economically but also culturally and socially.