Expat commuting to work from Johor Bahru

[TragicallyHip]

I honestly couldn't tell you where the expats hang out in JB town. I'm sure I'll figure out some places over time, but my social life will still revolve around Singapore. It's the same time for me to drive to JB town as it is to drive into Singapore and we've got 5 years worth of friendships in Singapore. In fact, for driving times into CBD it's not much different living where we are vs Woodlands or East Coast.

[ScoobyDoes]

Could be at the Zon? It's slightly out of the town centre but only by a few minutes.

It's been a while since i was there so don't know if it's as busy these days as it was back then.

[Avida]

If you have bought a place and settle down in Nusajaya, good for you and thank you for supporting the Malaysian people in achieving development and off-setting whatever public funds that has been dumped into the Iskandar project.

If you are still considering it, do take note of the following:

- Gated community does not equal safe. In Malaysia, even the security guards can rob you and plot with outsiders to rob your house. Firms providing security services can be easily set-up. There is no governing body to regulate their numbers and firms most of them don't check their employee background.

- We, the people of Malaysia have reason to believe that the police force and the organised crime syndicate are in cahoots, especially on how a recent crime warlord was reprimanded in Johor but let off without prosecution. Also the fact that 1 police inspector and 1 constable used C4 explosives to blow up a Mongolian woman. Just exercise more caution when dealing with the police.

- The ruling government headed by the United Malay National Organisation uses race rhetoric to garner support. What has this got to do with you, an expat. Well we just find it strange that in rallies, the politicians will shout about Malay supremacy, Malays living in poverty, how Malays are losing customary lands to the Chinese/ Singaporeans/ Expats. But here you have the government selling off chunks of land to private investors. 40 years ago the same government used the same strategy - divide and conquer. Today they are still planting that seed into the minds of people who are ignorant and gullible. Racial tension is easily ignited in Malaysia. Angry mobs can be persuaded to take matters into their own hands - take back what is rightfully theirs

There is an underlining understanding amongst Malaysians that peace is a fragile commodity. You say and write the wrong thing, they put you away without trial for a long time. You become a threat to national security.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Avida,

Please tone down your rhetoric a little bit. You are verging on an area that is sensitive and possibly has no place here.

If you have to say and write carefully there, then why not here?

Thanks,
moderator

[aslayter]

I am looking for some more information on holding an SG Employment Pass and living in Malaysia.

My Partner is moving to KL in a couple of months and my company has said that I can work either out of the KL office or remotely from home BUT I would need to move to the local Malay pay scale.

I am hoping to avoid that for obvious reason. So I don't get railroaded by my current company, I'd love some information on how people are currently living in JB or KL and working in SG.

Sorry I tried to PM option but the site wouldn't let me.

Thanks!

[danialgoh]

Expats, when they are here, love to visit JB as well. And I shudder at the very mention of JB. Reasons...Here's why.

1) The jam is very long. Long wait. I have waited for about 3 hours. Imagine this. 3 hours just to get to the other side.

2) Traffic in JB is a killer. Motorists weave in and out. Accidents are plenty.

3) I need not mention about the high number of crime rates there. Did you know JB used to be call Pirates Town?

Even though I have mentioned the above, there are still good things about JB.

1) Food galore

2) Cheap stuff

Do consider if you wanna go in. And make sure you go in with someone. Never enter alone.

Cheers.

[jimynch]

I share you opinion. Ledang Height is the up and coming high end gated community in Nusajaya. It is almost for sure that that rich and famous will move into the area due to its proximity to the new admin center. I had bought a 10,000 sf balinese home in the area. It is an open concept home with a koi pond in the middle and 4000 sf build up. And for the same price I can't even get a good 4room flat in Marine parade.

[4hookes]

My mum is planning to live in JB. Either buy or rent.

Currently if my mum sells her HDB flat she will get appx $200,000 after CPF refunds.

The question is:

I read about Nusajaya and the Iskandar projects and was wondering if she could actually afford property there.

Or could she afford to rent property there?

What about other places in JB?

What about renting out our HDB flat and then go to JB and buy a property there, take a 90% bank loan (Malaysian or Singaporean Banks?)-that way we will have 2 properties with capital appreciation gains.

Advice anyone? Thanks in advance.

[jon0lim]

I am looking for some more information on holding an SG Employment Pass and living in Malaysia.

My Partner is moving to KL in a couple of months and my company has said that I can work either out of the KL office or remotely from home BUT I would need to move to the local Malay pay scale.

I am hoping to avoid that for obvious reason. So I don't get railroaded by my current company, I'd love some information on how people are currently living in JB or KL and working in SG.

Sorry I tried to PM option but the site wouldn't let me.

Thanks!

I dont think its quite practical to live in KL and work in SG...

[aangsc]

Hi , I have also invested a property , so I think I am able to share my experience. I bought a terrace at Horizon Hills, like any ppty purchases, I think it is only possible to get 90% loan if you are having sufficient financial collateral or still have many years of income from work or biz.
Since you said your mum is interested, I guess she is not full time working, that might be a problem for loan unless one of the working children is getting it instead. I took at 20 years loan and will have to pay about S$1200 per month. So , I am quite happy even if I could fetch S$1000 to rent out my terrace when it is ready in a few months time. Mind you, outside of Horizon Hills , rental are very much lower. For me I rather pay a bit more for better security. I went in last week and could not entered the residential area that I purchase because of security. I have yet to received my key, so I am glad there is some decent security. To rent out your HDB and pay rent in Johor house is definitely possible , just how big a place you need in JB. My advise is to stick to those around 2nd link, it is safer and you can catch a bus from Bukit Indah to Jurong East bus interchange. If you are unsure , it is better to rent first, then decide whether you like the place because it is difficult to dispose in current economic conditions esp in Johor.

My mum is planning to live in JB. Either buy or rent.

Currently if my mum sells her HDB flat she will get appx $200,000 after CPF refunds.

The question is:

I read about Nusajaya and the Iskandar projects and was wondering if she could actually afford property there.

Or could she afford to rent property there?

What about other places in JB?

What about renting out our HDB flat and then go to JB and buy a property there, take a 90% bank loan (Malaysian or Singaporean Banks?)-that way we will have 2 properties with capital appreciation gains.

Advice anyone? Thanks in advance.

[boonlaysg]

hi.

is your terrace in the 'gateway'. i seen the units at the 'golf' and they seem pricey for the quality they offer - ceramic flooring throughout.

also i understand the clubhouse is only free for those who bought semi-ds and above. else got to pay entrance.

aangsc..you took a 20 years loan with 10% down?..can singaporeans open a ringitt bank account?..how about buying a malaysian car in JB?..

cheers.

[chako]

Sorry if I may offend someone here. Because of so many foreign workers in Singapore nowadays, the word "expat" can only be defined as those getting real 'expat' package. Why then stay in JB/Nusajaya? You can easily get a 5000sqf balinese/designer semi-d/bunglow in Singapore. If you are sent to Singapore, enjoy your time in Singapore. I like Malaysia but I will enjoy it if I am sent there in the next posting.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Sorry if I may offend someone here. Because of so many foreign workers in Singapore nowadays, the word "expat" can only be defined as those getting real 'expat' package. Why then stay in JB/Nusajaya? You can easily get a 5000sqf balinese/designer semi-d/bunglow in Singapore. If you are sent to Singapore, enjoy your time in Singapore. I like Malaysia but I will enjoy it if I am sent there in the next posting.

Don't worry, I don't think you offended anybody. Instead we just feel sorry for you, as you apparently have never seen, let alone read, a dictionary. You really MUST learn what the word expatriate and its short forms actually mean.

[chako]

I think I have already offended somebody. I have said already, why are you referring to the dictionary definition of expat. The dictionary doesn't define what you get in an expat package. Anyway, I am just trying say, if you are sent to Singapore, make sure you get good coverage for housing, if not, think twice.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Why? If the Salary package has enough of an uplift, you may not need any allowances. It's all taxable anyway. It's also easier to write contracts, implement and monitor. There is also less opportunity for dispute later by having a salary only. I am speaking from a business POV however. I spent a dozen or more years as an "Expat" before becoming an "Expat" but on a local package. While I am now a PR here I'm still and Expat by virtue of my Passport. Your concept of "Expat" is yesterday by majority standards, as fewer and fewer companies offer the bloated packages of yesteryear. And, I think you will find after this economic shakeout, they may be curtailed even further. Good Luck. I don't know who you have offended though. Not me by any stretch of the imagination. I'll be going home within the next 3-5 years after having traveled the world as a Expat for the better part of 30 years.