Yes, yes, we know they have Bumiputra policies, blackouts during elections and parang-wielding robbers. Hear us out.

As the cost of living starts to rise and our salaries stagnate, young Singaporeans may need to start considering alternative places to live.

Malaysia, our neighbour beyond-the-causeway is a natural choice. According to a report by the Straits Times last year, while the number of Malaysians that live and work in Singapore is substantial, far less Singaporeans have done vice versa.

Look, we’re not asking you to become a Malaysian. We’re just saying that if you ever wanted to live in Malaysia and work in Singapore, it won’t be that bad. For these reasons.

1. Internet and telecommuting

With the advent of the Internet, working from home is easier than ever. If your employer is agreeable, you won’t even need to bother with the long queues at the customs every morning.

2. Penang-Singapore high-speed rail

And even if you can’t telecommute, wait for 2020. With the plan for a high-speed rail linking Singapore and Malaysia, you could zip down from Kuala Lumpur in a mere 90 minutes! Some of us spend the same amount of time on public transport trying not to get STOMPed! This is of course, assuming that the project doesn’t fail.

3. LKY himself has mentioned that merger is not impossible

First in 1965, but you knew that already, thanks to Social Studies. As recent as 2007, former the Minister Mentor said this about the Northerners, "They have got all the resources. If they would just educate the Chinese and Indians, use them and treat them as their citizens, they can equal us and even do better than us and we would be happy to rejoin them."

See, it can’t be that bad. There were reasons why we wanted to merge with Malaysia in 1965. There still are reasons today.

4. Property is considerably cheaper

Depending on where you choose to stay, you could get a Bungalow for approximately $1,000,000 ringgit. That’s around S$389,686. If you can’t afford a house, don’t fret. Rent is also considerably cheaper.

5. Cheaper cars and petrol

Case study. You could get a BMW 116i in Malaysia for just 170,800 ringgit (S$66,558). That will set you back at least S$150,000 in Singapore. Cars don’t expire after 10 years, too. Petrol is heavily subsidised. RON95 petrol costs RM2.10 (S$0.81) per litre. No amount of rewards cards will get you that price here. Sorry.

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6. Depreciating Ringgit.

The ringgit reached a historical low with the Singapore Dollar in earlier this year. More spending power. Self-explanatory.

7. Rent out your HDB and live comfortably in Malaysia

Occupation: Landlord. Job scope: Collect money on a monthly basis. Visit money changer.

8. More options for staycations

Because as picturesque as our attractions might be, there are only so few of them. Tioman. Langkawi. Malacca. The list goes on.

9. Lareine Goh

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We’ll let the video do the talking.

10. Ramly Burgers

Did you know that Ramly Burgers are banned in Singapore? The ones sold in Singapore are not legit.

11. Former Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan doesn’t think that its that bad an idea

In a statement, the Health Ministry said: “Due to the different stages of economic development, standard of living and salaries differences, nursing homes in JB would be relatively cheaper than those in Singapore.”

That’s two ministers saying Malaysia isn’t all that bad!

12. Almost the same food

Chilli crab. Chicken rice. Bak Ku Teh. The list goes on. The two nations have such similar dishes that they even argued over who created what.

13. More places for nature-lovers to enjoy

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir are nice. But they are mere playgrounds compared to the likes of Taman Negara National Park and Gunung Mulu National Park.

14. Chewing gum

Of course this also means that occasionally you’ll get that disgusting gob on your hair, shoes, pants, etc. Oh well, sacrifices must be made.

15. You don’t have to stay in Singapore to be a Singaporean.

You can take a Singaporean out of Singapore, but not Singapore out of the Singaporean.

Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for any death, injury or hurt (whether mental or physical) that is the result of entering Malaysia or leaving Singapore. Readers are advised to be discerning with regard to their long-term plans and not follow lists on the Internet indiscriminately.

Top image from here.

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