Jason Low's Retirement Journey to JB
Jason Low and his wife, both in their early 60s, have been residing in Bukit Timah for decades. Their home is paid-off and as retirement approaches, they're considering a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle, preferably without leaving the comforts of their Singaporean roots.
Now, after spending quite a few hours doing their online research and some thoughtful consideration, Jason and his wife have decided to retire in JB, initially by renting a home there and just using their 30 day social pass "chop". If turns out they like their lives as expats, they'll probably pivot to the
Malaysia My Second Home visa, since this provides more stability, along with a few specific benefits that are hard to pass up.
Why JB?
For Jason and his wife, JB offers an appealing alternative to Singapore's continuously-increasing living costs. Just a stone's throw away from Singapore, JB provides the conveniences of proximity to their homeland, but at a fraction of the cost. The lower cost of living is particularly attractive for retirees looking to stretch their retirement savings, in the process boosting their purchasing power and standard of living.
With their Bukit Timah home fully paid off, the Lows plan to use the rental income from their property, combined with their CPF, to fund* their new lifestyle in JB. The difference in housing costs between Singapore and JB means they can enjoy a considerably larger home in JB for a fraction of the cost of their place in Singapore. The idea is to initially rent a house in JB, likely for half a year or so, to get accustomed to the area, before ultimately, transitioning to purchasing their own home through the MM2H visa.
Living in JB: Healthcare
It's no secret that JB has its excellent healthcare infrastructure. With renowned, JB offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including specialist treatments, diagnostics, and emergency care, all at a fraction of Singapore's costs. The city's healthcare system is known for its modern facilities, advanced technology, and well-trained medical professionals, many of whom have received international qualifications.
Jason and his wife are fully aware that they can access high-quality medical care without the financial strain, whilst at the same time staying close enough to Singapore to return for specialised treatments if necessary. This combination of affordability and accessibility makes JB an attractive and practical option for those looking to enjoy their retirement in comfort and security. It's priceless.
The Benefits of the MM2H Visa
The MM2H visa offers quite a few advantages for retirees. For one, MM2H provides long-term residency, allowing Jason and his wife to stay anywhere in Malaysia for up to 10 years, with the option for renewal. MM2H eliminates the perpetual need for frequent social pass renewals or repeated visa runs, providing the Lows with peace of mind and stability. After all, the 30-day social pass was never really intended to be used as a residence visa. At this point, best play safe and sound.
The couple will also benefit from the much lower cost of daily expenses in JB. Groceries, utility bills and transport, are all significantly cheaper compared to Singapore. Additionally, JB offers a more easy-going ambiance, which is perfect for retirees who want to escape the daily grind, the relentless race against the clock in Singapore. Then again, with Singapore just across the Causeway, they can always balek for meet-ups with family or friends, or for a quick errant. Singapore is their home country after all. So having it right there at all times, whilst reveling in their expat lives in JB is nice.
In fact, the forthcoming RTS link will make commuting between JB and Singapore even more convenient. Once completed, it'll dramatically reduce travel time, making it easier than ever for JB retirees to enjoy the best of both worlds: expat-living in JB and easy access to Singapore.
Incidentally, Singaporean retirees that rebased there in the past have by now built a helpful community. These early settlers are happy to share insights on the
MM2H visa, healthcare or daily life, making it easier for all new retirees like the Lohs to adjust. This support network can also help ensure a smooth transition for all subsequent Singaporeans who may yet decide to enjoy their retirement in JB. Good to know.
Living in JB: Culinary and Cultural Haven
One of the highlights of living in JB is the makan. The Lows are food lovers and JB offers an array of culinary delights, from tried and true hawker meals to dining options and plentiful buffets. The couple is excited to explore local food markets, discover new authentic Malaysian dishes and generally enjoy all the multicultural flavours that JB has to offer. Delicious food at low prices, what's not to like?
In addition to the food, JB provides a lot of open spaces and leisure opportunities. With Desaru and Tioman nearby, they can enjoy blissful times on the beach, doing absolutely nothing at all, other than read and relax. The more languid pace of life is perfect for retirees looking to thoroughly enjoy their golden years.
Potential Downsides?
Is there anything we should keep in mind when contemplating a move to JB? Well, when residing in JB, Singaporeans may encounter a few differences. For instance, security-wise, JB has a different crime profile compared to Singapore, with some petty theft being an occasional concern. However, simple precautions can minimize the issue, such as keeping valuables secure and being mindful of one's surroundings.
The other thing is that JB's public transport isn't quite at the same level as Singapore. For one, there's no MRT in JB and buses tend to be less frequent. Fortunately, owning a car can easily resolve any transport issues, as Malaysia offers very affordable cars and low petrol prices, making personal transportation a convenient and cost-effective option.
Like many other Singaporeans nearing retirement, Jason and his wife see the MM2H visa as a stress-free path to a better quality of life in JB. With low-cost expat-living, plenty of leisure options and a laid-back pace of life, JB is the perfect place to retire. Plus, with Singapore a short hop away, residing in JB is like having your cake and eating your cake.
Interested in learning more about retiring in JB? Visit
MM2H.com.sg.
*With MM2H, all the money wired to Malaysia from Singapore is fully tax-exempt. This applies to rental income, fixed income such as FD, dividends, CPF, as well as capital gains. Basically, all funds transferred from Singapore to Malaysia are tax-free.