JOHOR BAHRU - Singapore continues to be the preferred destination for Malaysians seeking employment due to factors such as higher salary offers, the high exchange rate of the Singapore Dollar, and its proximity to Malaysia.
The desire to try one's luck and the prospect of higher salaries in Singapore motivated Bernard Sandana Dass, 53, to work in the country since 1996.
However, after working for about 28 years as a contractor and engineer in the neighbouring country, he has no intention of returning to his homeland, especially with the Singapore Dollar remaining strong.
On Monday, the exchange rate was 1 Singapore Dollar equivalent to RM3.54.
That is the sole reason why Bernard has no plans to return to Malaysia, even though his wife and four children still reside on Abdul Samad Street, here.
"Singapore is where I earn a living for my family in Johor Bahru, and the main attraction is the Singapore Dollar. Additionally, the standard and international quality of work in Singapore are reasons why I am still working here," he said when contacted.
Bernard who commutes once or twice a week to visit his family here, said he chose to settle in the republic to save time.
"Perhaps the downside for those working in Singapore is the need to commute, as the journey from home in Johor to work here usually takes a long time.
"If I could find a job in Johor with almost the same salary as in Singapore, I would be happy to relocate. Rent is cheaper, and the cost of living and food is also better. Wherever we go, there is no place like our own country," he said.
Meanwhile, another Malaysian working in Singapore, Amirah Atiqah Abdul Rahim, 31, admitted to enjoying working there.
"Working in Singapore is good because of the larger Singapore Dollar compared to the Ringgit.
"The downside is the commute from Johor Bahru to Singapore. If you enter at 9 am, you have to leave the house by 6 am to queue at passport control.
"There have been times when the queue was too long, so I decided to walk from the CIQ to Woodlands," she said.