True or Untrue: Singapore-Malaysian tension?

[EADG]

I've wondered this myself, and this came up when a friend decided against moving here due to the increased cost in living, despite setting up his business here on plans he made 2 years ago, to instead move to KL or Penang.

Seems the ST prints a lot of news of violence in Malaysia, it seems a bit OTT but I have no way to know if the reporting is balanced. And I wonder if all of the bad news in Singapore is publicized.

Did I just say "balanced reporting" and ST in the same sentence?

[ScoobyDoes]

Don't you think Singapore would benefit from bad press about Malaysia?

It could be ST presents more of the bad news about Malaysia to try and prevent exactly what your friend decided to do...... set up there instead of here.

I came here recently from a 5-yrs in KL and would have no problem moving back again if costs get any worse here. I know some in KL that have looked into moving to Singapore but did decide the costs did not merit the move. I also know of people who decided to set up there as a first step after looking at costs here also.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Do you use the two-finger search method?

Smartypants!

Been a touch typist for 44 years. Used to do the Pitman' at 85 wpm but now only around 40-45wpm.

[EADG]

yes that was my point exactly

there was a story in the ST about 6 months ago about a western family who moved from Singapore to KL (or JB, can't remember) with details about someone breaking into their house while they were sleeping, having to bar the doors and windows at night,, neighborhood patrols coming to the door to check if people were unwed and living together, how much they wished they hadn't come, things like that

so naturally the first reaction was how awful a place it is, then it seemed a bit much

Don't you think Singapore would benefit from bad press about Malaysia?

It could be ST presents more of the bad news about Malaysia to try and prevent exactly what your friend decided to do...... set up there instead of here.

I came here recently from a 5-yrs in KL and would have no problem moving back again if costs get any worse here. I know some in KL that have looked into moving to Singapore but did decide the costs did not merit the move. I also know of people who decided to set up there as a first step after looking at costs here also.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Kinda like the reaction about home as well isn't it EADG. All people see is the bad news in the US, murder & mayhem. TV shows also don't help the situation that much either. I think the bad things both in M'sia and in any country's underbelly is more a product of media sensationalism to sell papers to subscribers that to realistically portray a country in it's true light. I think M'sia has more problems between it's own citizens than between it citizens and Singaporeans. (except when local go over there flaunting their wealth).

[EADG]

Absolutely SMS, I don't know how many times while I was living in Japan that I got asked if I had a gun, or saw anyone get shot (no to both). A few times here, too.

People see Stallone and Schwarzenegger movies and start believing that to be true.

[ScoobyDoes]

People see Stallone and Schwarzenegger movies and start believing that to be true.

Next you'll be saying Santa Claus doesn't exist

My ex-colleague had is E200 Merc stollen at knife point in Bangsar one night. He is a foreigner but his wife is local....... i think it happens to anybody that tries to flaunt their wealth. I've always said that it's better to try fly under the radar.

I've rarely heard stories of the inspectors coming around to see who stays in the house and they married atc. I did hear it happen to an American couple in Penang though and that was in the paper for a few days.

Malaysia does have problems for sure. My secretary's house has been broken into a couple of times, even they were different houses. Her sisters have both had their bags snatched by bikers but again, keep your wits about you like you would anywhere else and you'll generally get on okay.

[Wind In My Hair]

Dis-believe the media all you want, but talk to Malaysians themselves and they will tell you the same thing about crime becoming more serious.

[EADG]

on a related note, I'm off to Desaru for the first time, day trip just to surf -

ok, I know it's not exactly Oahu nor East LA, so am not expecting fantastic waves nor to be car-jacked, but we are going for the day which means having to leave stuff in the car

given that area what are the odds of not finding our things when we get back to the car?

[durain]

dont mean to scare you off, but your odds are higher if it has a singapore number plate.

[sundaymorningstaple]

I don't think anybody will disagree that crime is higher in M'sia. We know that for a fact. We also know that if you flaunt you wealth in any country you tempt the underbelly of society regardless of you nationality. But none of this translates to Singapore-Malaysia tension it really just create news stories. This is crime and not the general feelings between the citizens of both countries. I think we have lost sight of the original question.

[Wind In My Hair]

given that area what are the odds of not finding our things when we get back to the car?

Your things are likely to still be in the car. Question is, will the car still be there? My friends had their car stolen a few years back and apparently it's worse now.

Malaysian friends advise not driving an expensive car into the country, of the brands or makes that bring a gleam to car thieves' eyes. Rent a cheap make if necessary, rather than drive your own car. They also say never stop on the road unless you plan to, which means keep driving even if a rock is flung onto your windshield, or there's some sort of 'accident' in front etc. Definitely keep your doors locked at all times even if you're inside.

Singaporean friends driving up these days use steering wheel locks when leaving their parked cars. My own practice is to keep absolute essentials (passport and enough money to get home) on my person at all times, in a waterproof pouch if need be.

Not to scare you, but just suggesting sensible precautions and knowing what to do in the worst case, so that you can enjoy your trip there. Chances are nothing will happen, just that it would be a bummer if you're one of the few who gets a bad experience so you want to prevent that as far as possible.

SMS, if there was no tension at all between the two countries, our poor paranoid armed forces would be out of a job, wouldn't they?

[ScoobyDoes]

SMS, if there was no tension at all between the two countries, our poor paranoid armed forces would be out of a job, wouldn't they?

Which is it...... tension or paranoia? It's not both.

[EADG]

thanks Windy, but see now that just takes me (and the thread) back to the start - what you say here is what I've been hearing albeit by Singaporeans, who, face it, present company excluded, tend to be not the worldliest of peoples and tin my experience tend to make statements like my earlier Rambo comment)

the same guy recounted a counter story to the one I mentioned about what was in the ST last week about a couple being attacked, she taken away and gang-raped, etc.

but...I guess I'm siding with the Singaporeans on this one - while I'm not the type to follow the masses, I'm hearing too much about the place being dodgy and not enough to make me think it isn't

Scooby, are you from there?

[sundaymorningstaple]

So, what are we talking about now. The general population (which is where tension should/would be) or about the criminal element? Does just seeing a Singapore registration plate cause the average citizen to go berserkers and run out, grab a parang and attack the vehicle. Does it cause the average Malaysian to follow the car and wait till it's empty in order to steal it? Doubtful.

As far as the Singapore military is concerned we've had that discussion before. It's primarily for show but is well able to provide a 72 hours standoff capability if necessary. It is not equipped for aggression at least with any of it's neighbours. However, surrounded as they are, they need a military just like anybody does. The vast majority of countries do (except Liechtenstein and a few others).

Let's face it, if you go to a country or around people who have less than you do, you do so at your own peril. Let common sense prevail and you will be okay. I've been going to Malaysia, working off and on in Malaysia for 25 years and have never had a problem.