Festive shopping boom expected as Singaporeans flock to Johor’s malls and bazaars ahead of celebrations.
With Hari Raya fast approaching, Johor is preparing for a significant increase in visitors from Singapore, especially as the upcoming school holidays coincide with the festive shopping season. Tourists from the city-state have traditionally flocked to Johor for its affordable goods, lively Ramadan bazaars, and extensive retail options. Authorities and businesses are gearing up for the surge, with expectations of heavy foot traffic in key shopping areas.
Tourism Johor director Sharil Nizam Abdul Rahim revealed that Johor welcomed around 22 million international visitors in 2024, with Singaporeans making up the bulk of arrivals. Singaporean tourists recorded over 17 million trips last year, a significant increase from 13 million in 2023. The numbers are expected to rise further as Hari Raya approaches.
“Now that we are in the second week of Ramadan, we anticipate many Singaporeans, particularly those celebrating Hari Raya, to come for festive shopping,” Sharil stated. He highlighted that Johor hosts more than 400 Ramadan bazaars and designated Hari Raya shopping zones, attracting both locals and cross-border shoppers.
Angsana Mall: A Popular Shopping Hub
Among the top shopping destinations for Singaporeans is Angsana Mall in Johor Bahru, known for its extensive selection of festive essentials. Reports indicate that many shoppers from Singapore have already begun their shopping sprees, purchasing traditional outfits, cookies, and decorative items. “We expect this trend to continue until the eve of Hari Raya,” Sharil added.
The increased traffic flow is not limited to retail spaces. Hotels in Johor have also seen rising bookings, with many visitors opting to break their fast at hotel restaurants after a long day of shopping. Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teoh noted that traffic congestion over the weekend indicated strong visitor numbers, despite Ramadan being a traditionally slower period for tourism.
Singapore’s Immigration Authority Warns of Heavy Traffic
Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a statement advising travelers to anticipate long queues at the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints. The March school holidays in Singapore, running from March 15 to 23, combined with the Hari Raya holiday period from March 31, are expected to drive cross-border travel to record levels.
During the recent Chinese New Year period, over three million travelers crossed the Singapore-Malaysia border, with a peak of 521,000 crossings recorded in a single day. Authorities expect similar congestion levels in the lead-up to Hari Raya, urging travelers to plan accordingly.
The influx of Singaporean shoppers is a boon for Johor’s economy, especially for small businesses, market vendors, and shopping malls. With an expected surge in sales, local businesses see Hari Raya as an opportunity to recover from post-pandemic economic challenges. The tourism and hospitality industries are also reaping benefits, with hotels reporting higher occupancy rates and restaurants experiencing increased bookings for Ramadan buffets.
Johor’s retail and tourism sectors are set for a prosperous season as Singaporeans make their way across the border for Hari Raya shopping. The bustling bazaars and shopping malls will not only enhance the festive spirit but also strengthen economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. However, travelers should brace for heavy traffic at immigration checkpoints, given the anticipated surge in cross-border movement.
Sources: Straits Times (2025), TNP (2025)
Keywords: Hari Raya, Johor Shopping, Singapore Tourists, Traffic Congestion, Angsana Mall
