Causeway toll hike: Malaysians employed in Singapore urged to work at home

Those who commute from Malaysia to Singapore daily for work, would you consider taking up a job back in Malaysia to avoid the recent causeway toll hikes?

This is the latest suggestion from Johor human resources and unity executive councillor, R. Vidyanathan, who said working in Singapore will not only stretch your budget as Malaysia raises toll hikes - and even more if Singapore matches this next month - but will also strain families.

"To work in Singapore, you will have to leave home as early as 5am and be back by about 9pm," he said at the Johor Red Crescent Society's commendation presentation this week, The Star reported.

"There is hardly time for a worker to spend time with family or see their children grow up."

Addressing around 300,000 Malaysians who currently work in Singapore, he said they should consider working closer to home, despite the attractive salaries on account of the favourable exchange rate.

He believes working closer to home will enable employees to spend more time with their families, and reduce "social problems" including divorce and family neglect. 

“We have many sectors in Johor which need workers, especially at Iskandar Malaysia, Pengerang, and in Desaru,” he said, adding that about 20,000 to 50,000 more jobs will be available in the coming years for skilled workers.

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