Jamus Lim raises concerns over high cost of living and its impact on Singaporeans’ sense of belonging

Associate Professor Jamus Lim, Workers’ Party Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC, has highlighted growing concerns among Singaporeans over the rising cost of living, particularly the impact of skyrocketing housing prices.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (28 Aug), Assoc Prof Lim shared insights from his recent engagements with residents in Sengkang, revealing that some Singaporeans are considering relocating to nearby Malaysia as a more affordable living option.

During his visits to 332B Anchorvale and 318A, as well as engagements with residents at the Place cluster, Assoc Prof Lim noted a recurring theme in his conversations: the unsustainable cost of living in Singapore.

While concerns over housing affordability are not new, he remarked that the phenomenon of Singaporeans moving to Malaysia is becoming more common, even among those who are not retirees or Malaysian nationals.

The increasing difficulty in “making the sums work,” particularly in relation to housing costs, has led some to seek alternatives across the border.

Assoc Prof Lim expressed his concern about the broader implications of this trend, questioning whether the high cost of living is eroding the sense of rootedness and belonging that has long been a cornerstone of Singaporean identity.

He reflected on the original mission of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to provide affordable housing for the masses, enabling Singaporeans to have a stake in the nation’s development.

However, he questioned whether this hallmark of national identity is now being overshadowed by a more transactional approach to homeownership, where flats are viewed as assets to extract government grants or generate rental income.

“I don’t really have a satisfactory answer, and I suspect there isn’t a simple response,” Assoc Prof Lim wrote, acknowledging the complexities of the issue.

He emphasized the need for public policy to address the corrosive effects of the high cost of living, which extend beyond economic concerns to impact social and cultural ties.

In response to Assoc Prof Lim’s post, TOC co-founder Andrew Loh drew parallels between the current housing situation and past challenges faced by Singaporeans, such as older citizens seeking more affordable healthcare in Malaysia.

He pointed out that, much like the government’s claims of affordable healthcare before the introduction of the Pioneer Generation package, the rising housing prices are being justified as “affordable,” despite the evident financial strain on citizens.

The issue of cross-border transit might be relieved from the commute via bus and motor vehicle with the ongoing construction of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which will connect Johor Bahru and Singapore.

As of July, the project is 83% complete, with operations scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027, according to Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The RTS Link is expected to provide a more efficient commuting option for those who choose to live in Malaysia while working in Singapore, potentially influencing future migration trends.

With the cost of living continuing to be a pressing concern, Assoc Prof Lim’s comments resonate with a growing number of Singaporeans grappling with the financial realities of life in the city-state.

As the nation navigates these challenges, the balance between maintaining national identity and adapting to economic pressures will remain a critical issue for policymakers and citizens alike.