JOHOR BARU: The ‘Singapore factor’ is playing a large role in ensuring that Johor's economy is thriving despite the challenging global economy.
Johor Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said Johor's proximity to neighbouring countries like Singapore and Indonesia play a major role in the state's robust economy.
"Singaporeans, in particular, are coming here to do their Chinese New Year shopping for the celebration due to the low ringgit, which is a main factor.
"Johoreans who work in Singapore also have good spending power as they earn in Singapore dollars," he told a press conference after inspecting the supply of goods ahead of the Chinese New Year at MTS Import and Eksport Sdn Bhd, here today.
MTS is a wholesaler of Mandarin oranges.
However, Tee stressed that the relevant authorities will always ensure that there is sufficient supply of items and that the prices, especially for the controlled items, are capped.
Some items, he noted, are even cheaper now. He said, compared to last year, the prices of Grade A to Grade C eggs are retailing between RM0.29 to RM0.33 sen, signifying a reduction of 15 to 18 per cent.
Cooking oil and flour have remained the same as last year, at RM2.50 per kg and RM1.35 per kg, respectively.
Tee said the price of garlic has increased from RM4 to RM9 this year due to floods in China, the low ringgit and China's economy.
Also present was Johor Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry director, Nor Nekman Jaimon.