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South China Morning Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits
Singaporean politicians are leading their constituents on sold-out tours across the causeway to indulge in Malaysia 's peak durian season, with itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat buffets, shopping and multi-course dinners. At least seven members of parliament (MPs) have organised trips this month for Singaporean citizens to get their fill of the spiky and pungent fruit in neighbouring Malaysia, where prices are expected to fall this month in light of abundant supply. The outings, some lasting a day and others overnight, have proven so popular that many were fully booked shortly after being announced, according to local news outlet the Malay Mail. The surge in durian trips follows Singapore's general election two months ago – part of a familiar post-poll tradition, according to tourism operators. 'It is usual for Singaporeans to go on durian tours every year, but the number of groups goes up by about 30 per cent after an election in the island republic,' Jimmy Leong, chairman of the Johor Tourist Guides Association, told Malaysian newspaper The Star. The trips have become a popular way for MPs to thank constituents for their support, and they provide a reliable boost to Johor's local tourism sector, Leong added.
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Singaporeans flock to Johor for durian feasts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysian locals and Singaporeans are seen choosing and buying durians at a stall near a mall in Johor Bahru. JOHOR BAHRU - Two months after Singapore's general election, durian businesses in Johor are drawing a steady crowd of visitors from across the Causeway. This post-election trend is a consistent revenue booster for the state, according to Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong. 'It is usual for Singaporeans to go on durian tours every year, but the number of groups goes up by about 30 per cent after an election in the island republic,' he said. Mr Leong said these durian tours are a popular way for Singaporean Members of Parliament (MPs) to express gratitude to their communities and party members for their election support. 'Each group could comprise as many as eight to 10 buses,' Mr Leong added. For instance, Jalan Kayu MP Ng Chee Meng recently promoted a 'Musang King durian tour to Johor Baru' on Facebook. The $110 day tour included transport, an all-you-can-eat Musang King lunch, and an eight-course dinner. 'Back by popular demand! You asked and we listened, so let's go get some durians,' he wrote. A Singaporean mother of three, Ms Nina Farah Ain Borhan, said she had seen such durian tours being organised by a Singapore political representative. 'There are posters displayed next to the lift lobby (of my residential building),' she said, adding that she had not participated in it. 'But I do travel to Johor myself frequently for durians,' said the 31-year-old. Durian seller John Chew, 60, said the durian season began early in July , and since then, business has picked up significantly, especially over the weekends. 'Singaporeans make up about half of our customers,' said Mr Chew, who runs a stall near a mall in Johor . He said that Musang King remains Singaporeans' top choice, although Malaysia has around 200 durian varieties. 'The prices vary depending on the grade. Grade A can go for RM60 per kilogramme, while grade B ranges from RM30 to RM40,' he said. Durian seller Mohamad Amirudin Tono, 22, also reported brisk sales, particularly during weekends, with customers arriving from all over the country and Singapore. 'The price of the fruit has also been going down this season,' he said. 'This has helped attract more customers.' A durian supplier in Pontian, who only wanted to be known as Mr Tok, said demand has been so high he sometimes needs to source from other suppliers to meet orders. 'I also have customers from Singapore arriving in tour buses to my orchard,' he said. Singaporean Wendy Chua, 42, who was spotted enjoying durian at a stall in Johor , said: 'This is probably our second or third time eating durian here. There are some durian varieties available in Johor that are hard to find in Singapore, which makes the experience worthwhile.' However, the rising prices over the years did not deter Singaporeans, she said. 'We would come for the variety and the overall experience,' Ms Chua added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
The Star
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Singaporeans flocking to Johor for durian feasts
Durian for days: Locals and Singaporeans choosing and buying durians at a stall near a mall in Johor Baru. JOHOR BARU: Two months after Singapore's general election, durian businesses in Johor are drawing a steady crowd of visitors from across the Causeway. This post-election trend is a consistent revenue booster for the state, according to Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong. 'It is usual for Singaporeans to go on durian tours every year, but the number of groups goes up by about 30% after an election in the island republic,' he said. Leong said these durian tours are a popular way for Singaporean MPs to express gratitude to their communities and party members for their election support. 'Each group could comprise as many as eight to 10 buses,' Leong added. For instance, Jalan Kayu MP Ng Chee Meng recently promoted a 'Musang King durian tour to Johor Baru' on Facebook. The S$110 (RM364) day tour included transport, an all-you-can-eat Musang King lunch, and an eight-course dinner. 'Back by popular demand! You asked and we listened, so let's go get some durians,' he wrote. A Singaporean mother of three, Nina Farah Ain Borhan, said she had seen such durian tours being organised by a Singapore political representative. 'There are posters displayed next to the lift lobby (of my residential building),' she said, adding that she had not participated in it. 'But I do travel to Johor myself frequently for durians,' said the 31-year-old. Durian seller John Chew, 60, said the durian season began early this month, and since then, business has picked up significantly, especially over the weekends. 'Singaporeans make up about half of our customers,' said Chew, who runs a stall near a mall here. He said that Musang King remains Singaporeans' top choice, although Malaysia has around 200 durian varieties. 'The prices vary depending on the grade. Grade A can go for RM60 per kilogramme, while grade B ranges from RM30 to RM40,' he said. Durian seller Mohamad Amirudin Tono, 22, also reported brisk sales, particularly during weekends, with customers arriving from all over the country and Singapore. 'The price of the fruit has also been going down this season. 'This has helped attract more customers,' he said. A durian supplier in Pontian, who only wanted to be known as Tok, said demand has been so high he sometimes needs to source from other suppliers to meet orders. 'I also have customers from Singapore arriving in tour buses to my orchard,' he said. Singaporean Wendy Chua, 42, who was spotted enjoying durian at a stall here, said, 'This is probably our second or third time eating durian here. There are some durian varieties available in Johor that are hard to find in Singapore, which makes the experience worthwhile.' However, the rising prices over the years did not deter Singaporeans, she said. 'We would come for the variety and the overall experience,' Chua added.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Collaboration key to success of VM2026
JOHOR BARU: With six months to go before Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) kicks off, tourism industry players here want the government to step up collaboration to ensure the campaign's success. Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong claimed that there was a lack of engagement with industry players. 'The promotional push needs to be more aggressive since we only have six more months,' he said. He said the government must take the lead in bringing all tourism partners together by providing training and coordination to promote Malaysia effectively to the world. 'All tourism players, be it hoteliers, tour operators, tour guides, must be included,' he said. Leong said also deserving attention were Malaysia's wide range of cultural celebrations and festivals. 'The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry could work with temples and other relevant groups to promote celebrations and festivals, in highlighting the colours of Malaysia,' he said. Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo said such a collaboration would benefit all parties. 'We need to work together to get the best out of VM2026 or we may risk not getting the impact we hope to see from the campaign. 'We also need to have more events, including concerts that can lure international crowds, or at least visitors from the South-East Asian region,' he said, adding that there was a need to beef up promotional efforts including media coverage from the foreign press.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Singaporeans rush for VEP ahead of July 1, Johor trade unfazed
JOHOR BARU: With full Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) enforcement taking effect on July 1, Singaporean motorists are making a last-minute dash to register at centres in Johor. A check by the New Straits Times at the VEP centre in Danga Bay yesterday found Singaporeans flocking to submit last-minute applications. One staff member said there had been many walk-ins asking whether the RFID tags could be issued immediately. Some frustrated motorists, uncertain about the registration process or still waiting for their tags to arrive by post, voiced concern over the sudden rush. The VEP scheme was first proposed in 2017 but its implementation was postponed twice — in 2019 and again in 2020. Drivers of non-Malaysian-registered vehicles found without a valid VEP from next month risk a fine of RM300. The RFID tag enables Malaysian authorities to identify foreign-registered vehicles on the roads and track any outstanding traffic fines, which must be settled before the vehicles are allowed to leave the country. Meanwhile, businesses in the main commercial belts of Johor's capital expressed confidence that the VEP enforcement would not deter their regular Singaporean customers. Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong said he did not expect the tourism industry to be affected. "Motorists were given ample notice and access to VEP installation centres," he said. Traders in Johor echoed Leong's remarks, adding that the new ruling would not discourage Singaporeans who consider Malaysia a haven for food and shopping. They also pointed out that the strong Singapore dollar continues to give Singaporeans greater spending power in Malaysia, making it an attractive destination for a day trip across the Causeway that divides the two countries. "Singaporeans will still come — RM300 is just a mild sting. For them, S$90 (RM300) is nothing," said Jamil, who manages a seafood eatery. A convenience store owner, known only as Tan, said her Singaporean customers were fully aware of the fines. "One of them told me, 'I'll just pay the compound on the way out (of Johor) if I have to,'" she said.
