Despite being neighbours geographically, Malaysia and Singapore have long squabbled among themselves for decades, particularly over the matter of Singaporeans taking advantage of government subsidies provided to Malaysians.
This matter was once again brought to the limelight after a Singaporean netizen alleged double standards when it came to the shopping habits between Malaysians and Singaporeans.
‘Why M’sians can but S’poreans cannot?’
In a Threads post, the OP asked why there was a distinct difference in treatment towards Malaysians going abroad to buy luxury goods and Singaporeans buying groceries in Malaysia.
Guys, many Malaysians go to London to buy luxury bags because it’s cheaper over there and it’s all fine. But when we Singaporeans buy groceries in Malaysia, why do we get criticised?
“We truly love Malaysia and respect our neighbours, hopefully one day we can celebrate each other without bitterness,” the OP wrote.
The OP also added that he was merely giving an example and wasn’t comparing branded goods with groceries before listing more instances of people going overseas to enjoy cheaper goods.
“People naturally go where things are cheaper. Malaysians go Thailand, Singaporeans go JB, people buy branded goods in Europe.
“The concept is the same: everyone’s looking for value. So let’s be open-minded and try to accept. At the end of the day, mutual respect matters.”
Backlash
The post later triggered a wave of backlash from Malaysians, who slammed the OP for drawing an unfair comparison.
‘Luxury bags and groceries are totally different things.’
‘I like your POV. Very disoriented. But I get your point. Like, we don’t get mad you buy groceries from Malaysia but live in S’pore and you don’t get mad at Malaysians who want to have Singaporean salary but live in JB. Is it wrong? Either way, I feel the same…disoriented, off the chart and tone deaf.’
A netizen explained to the OP that the reason why subsidies exist in Malaysia is because it’s part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the burden of lower-income groups and those living in rural areas, which explains why Malaysians get upset when foreigners use those subsidies.
Another netizen didn’t hold back on her anger over the post, saying it was reflective of the low level of intelligence perceived among Malaysians about Singaporeans.
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