JOHOR BARU: Despite concerns raised about a decline in Singaporean visitors since the enforcement of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) system, most business owners insisted that their trade remained steady.
This is particularly evident in the state capital's Little India area in Jalan Ungku Puan, which remains a bustling scene as preparations for Deepavali, which falls on Oct 31, ramp up.
Indeed, checks by the New Straits Times revealed the streets of Little India were filled with people as shoppers search for festival essentials such as traditional attire, sweets and decorations.
The mandatory VEP system which went into enforcement on Oct 1, was introduced to regulate Singapore-registered vehicles entering Johor.
However, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said phased enforcement will be taken against Singaporean motorists without the VEP tags.
For the time being, they will be given reminders instead of summonses.
Certain quarters had suggested that with the VEP enforcement, it might deter some Singaporeans from crossing the Causeway.
However, shopkeepers in Little India refuted the claims, stating that business has been brisk, with local and foreign customers making their usual pre-festival purchases.
"Sales have been good, especially with Deepavali approaching. We are seeing a steady stream of both Johoreans and Singaporeans coming to shop," said S. Nathan, 54, a flower shop owner in Little India, who has been in business for 15 years.
He said concerns that Singaporeans will shy away from shopping in Johor were unfounded, especially among the Indian community.
"Here, we are able to cater to almost all of their needs… we have prayer items, clothing, wedding necessities, and most importantly it is so much cheaper compared to the prices in the republic," he said.
Restaurant owners and small traders in the area echoed the same sentiments, claiming that their Singaporean clientele continued to visit as usual.
"Singaporeans who want to come will come regardless of the VEP enforcement.
"Our regular customers from Singapore still visit us, and we are gearing up for an even busier period as Deepavali gets closer," said one trader.
Meanwhile, Singaporean M. Munaes, a 50-year-old teacher and her friend, said they were skeptical initially to drive over, after reading about the VEP enforcement in the republic's newspapers.
"However, we needed to get our Deepavali preparation ready in advance. The journey was smooth and since there were negative reports on VEP, the drive was smoother with less traffic," said Munaes.
She also said the Immigration officers at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar were friendly and helpful.
Munaes has applied for the VEP radio frequency identification tag, but is yet to receive it.
Business owners and traders remained optimistic that the upcoming holiday will drive even more traffic to the area.
While some still remained cautious about the VEP enforcement, the overall sentiment among Johor Baru traders is positive, with many confident that cross-border trade and tourism will remain resilient.
Two weeks before Deepavali, a bazaar will be organised in Little India, with over 300 tents set to be put up.
Johor Baru Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the council will soon be issuing licences to those who have applied to set up stalls at the bazaar.