Situation normal in Johor despite festive season

JOHOR BARU: Despite the festive season, there has been no significant increase in the number of tourists here so far, say industry players.

Malaysian Association of Hotels Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo said hoteliers did not see the expected rise in bookings this holiday season, especially among Singaporeans.

“A majority of the crowds we receive here, including those coming in during festive seasons, are from Singapore. So, the holidays in the island republic help to determine the crowds we receive here.

“In Singapore, only the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is considered a public holiday and they have to go back to work the very next day.

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“As such, they are not that keen to stay overnight in Johor Baru to enjoy their holidays,” he said.

Teo said the same goes for Malaysians coming from other states who had to return to work yesterday after a two-day holiday.

“Although the weekends in Johor fall on Friday and Saturday, that is not the case in other states. Many still have to return to work on Friday before taking off on the weekends. So, it is less likely for them to book hotels and stay here,” he said.

Status quo: Teo (left) and Leong agree that Johor Baru attracted its usual influx of visitors from Singapore regardless of the festive season.

Johor Tourist Guides Association chairman Jimmy Leong concurred, adding that Johor Baru still receives the crowd they normally get from Singapore.

“Johor Baru is indeed quieter this Hari Raya compared to previous years, and the holiday period in Singapore is one of the most likeliest reasons.

“However, we are still getting our normal crowd from Singapore.

“There is just no sudden rise in the number of visitors,” he said, adding that there will be more people visiting this weekend.

Leong also said that he is glad that there are no complaints so far from tourists about a slow crawl at the two Johor-Singapore land crossings.

“We have not received any complaints so far. However, this does not mean that we should take it easy.

“There is a need for continuous efforts to address the congestion issue at the border, which has been going on for years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Johor Homestay Association vice-president Ahmad Mohamed said the demand for homestays has slightly increased in the past few days.

“Hari Raya is usually a busy time for homestays. Most bookings are made by people returning to their hometowns for the celebration.

“This is because they may need more space and rooms to accommodate large families returning home from other places.

“That is the trend we continue to see this year,” he said.