Bad news to end the first quarter of 2024 but here’s it:
Hotel room rates in JB are going to be going up a bit starting in March 2024.
This is due to the sales and service tax (SST) which is increasing from 6% to 8%.
And it doesn’t help that Ivan Teo, who is the chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels in Johor, reminds us that their member hotels have already raised room rates by 20 to 30% in the middle of last year due to higher electricity bills.
But still, he’s hoping for hotels to focus on getting more customers during the week and non-peak times.
Hotels usually do well on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, which is not a surprise at all.
Mr. Teo doesn’t think the higher room rates will be a problem for most guests, especially those from Singapore, China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
However, explaining it to guests from Indonesia could be tougher since their currency isn’t doing as well against the ringgit recently.
Singaporeans still make up a big part of hotel guests since prices seem significantly lower when compared to our dollar.
The number of South Korean visitors staying in Johor Bahru and Iskandar Malaysia is also trending up, especially golfers and folks trying to escape the cold back home during those winter months and people going to English schools or visiting hospitals there.
There are about 90 three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels total in Johor.
But not all are increasing room rates.
For instance, the CEO of Lotus Desaru Resort, R. Indra Ghandi, said they won’t increase rates but will now include the SST starting 1 March.
She mentioned they currently charge net rates without taxes.
Ms. Indra added that customers pay close attention to prices, so raising rates could backfire on them.
But she doesn’t foresee issues with the tax change since half their guests are Singaporeans with good spending power.
Nonetheless, she proposed that the government offer visa-free entry to more countries besides China and India to attract more visitors.
Ms. Indra also hopes the new Johor leader with the tourism portfolio will organize roadshows to bring in more travelers from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.
On the other hand, Mariam Mohd from the Katerina Hotel Batu Pahat said their rates will go up a little in March.
The operations team is still finalizing the details but mentioned the increase depends mainly on which packages guests choose.
So what say you?
Will the increase in room rates in JB deter you from spending that overnight stay or is it sup-sup sui?
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Finding THE anti-itch cream that fits into your carry-on while also being gentle on your eczema-prone skin can be a challenging task.
Luckily, we’ve done the homework for you with our list of travel-friendly anti-itch creams priced under $24.50 that are sure to provide the much-needed relief and care your skin deserves.
No more discomfort even when your skin flares up during your travels!
This fragrance- and colorant-free moisturizer was developed to provide immediate comfort and relief for dry and irritated skin.
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Or if creams aren’t really your thing, what about this soothing gel that provides optimal relief for itchy, irritated skin without the harsh smell and stinging sensation of many other products?
The non-greasy gel texture glides on easily and dries quickly, calming your skin and minimizing the urge to scratch.
Formulated with care by dermatologists, it contains no artificial fragrances or dyes that could further irritate sensitive skin.
The hypoallergenic gel is suitable for most skin types, helping to soothe and restore comfort.
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Next, we have this rich, replenishing body cream that hydrates even the driest skin back to life.
Infused with squalane, a natural component that mimics your skin’s oils, this cream forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and defend against environmental aggressors.
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The formula is pH balanced, free from fragrance and dyes, and suitable for sensitive skin conditions as well as infants and the elderly.
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When it comes to ranking the world’s safest countries, Singapore seems to have its place permanently reserved at the top of the list. In 2023, the Global Peace Index (GPI) placed the city-state in sixth place, beating Japan (at 9th place)—the only other Asian country in this top 10 list.
In terms of crime rate, Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. According to the Singapore Police Force, during the first half of 2023, only 10,000 physical crimes were reported in the country. For a nation with a population of 5.454 million, this is an impressively low figure.
While physical crimes are incredibly low in Singapore, cybercriminality is on the rise. Data from the Singapore Police Force revealed that scams and cybercrimes increased by 69.4 percent during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. From 14,481 cases in 2022, it increased to 24,525 cases in 2023. While it’s still low compared to other countries, the rising trend is a concern for Singaporean authorities.
Living in Singapore, it’s easy to take your security for granted. However, when you go online, all bets are off. Whether you’re in the world’s safest country or the world’s most crime-ridden place, cybercriminals are waiting to hook you into their traps. So, be vigilant and don’t allow yourself to fall victim to their scams. Learn about the most common online scams Singapore citizens and residents face these days.
Job Scam
In the Singapore Police Force report on scams and cybercrimes, job scams were the most common crimes reported during the first half of 2023. At that time, 5,737 cases were reported, and SGD 79.4 million were stolen by the scammers.
In this scam, fraudsters pose as recruiters or employers offering lucrative job opportunities. They send unsolicited messages to their victims via social media apps and other messaging apps. These scams come in various forms, including affiliate marketing roles where you’re asked to buy products upfront to boost sales or agent positions involving processing fund transfers through your personal bank account.
Don’t be tempted by job offers from people you don’t personally know. Seek work opportunities offered by legitimate companies or posted on legitimate job-hunting websites.
E-Commerce Scam
As the second most common scam according to the Singapore Police Force, e-commerce scams cost victims over SGD 7.3 million. During the first half of 2023, there were a total of 4,516 cases reported to the police. These scams often involve fraudulent sellers on legitimate e-commerce websites.
In most cases, scammers advertise expensive products, such as gadgets and appliances, at attractively low prices to lure unsuspecting buyers. However, after payment is made, the goods may never arrive, or they may turn out to be counterfeit or of poor quality.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s essential to verify the credibility of sellers and read reviews from other buyers.
Fake Friend Scam
At 17.3 percent, the fake friend scam is the third most common online crime from the Singapore Police’s data on scams and cybercrimes. There were about 3,855 cases reported during from January to June 2023, with the total amount fleeced from the victims reaching SGD 12 million.
In a typical fake friend scam, a potential victim receives a call or message from someone pretending to be their friend. After some interactions, the scammer gains the trust of the victim. Then, they exploit their trust by soliciting money or personal information.
Avoid this scam altogether by refusing to entertain calls, messages, and friend requests from strangers or even from people who purport to be someone you know. Always verify through other means if you really received a friend request from what appears to be family, friend, or acquaintance. For good measure, block the numbers or profiles immediately if you confirm them to be fake, especially if they start asking for financial assistance.
Phishing Scam
In the first half of 2023, 2,991 cases of phishing scams were reported in Singapore, with victims being cheated a total of SGD 7.4 million. It’s a type of social engineering attack designed to deceive victims into giving up sensitive information about themselves or the company they work for.
Phishing scams often start as an email, text, or message purporting to be from a legitimate institution like a bank or utility company. These messages often contain urgent requests or warnings designed to prompt recipients to act impulsively and provide their personal details, leading to ransomware or malware attacks.
Vigilance is key in identifying phishing attempts, which can often be distinguished by grammatical errors or suspicious links.
Investment Scam
One of the most lucrative scams for cybercriminals is the investment scam. With 1,598 cases reported from January to June 2023 in Singapore, investment scams took a staggering SGD 97 million from their victims.
Investment scammers prey on individuals seeking lucrative investment opportunities. To entice their victim to give up their money, fraudsters promise impossibly high returns and guaranteed profits.
Some fraudsters may befriend you online before offering “investment opportunities” to you. In other scenarios, they may pretend to be from legitimate banks or stock brokerage firms.
Common warning signs include pressure to make quick decisions and ROI that’s simply to good to be true. So, before investing your hard-earned money, do thorough research and read reviews of any financial instrument offered to you.
Protecting yourself from online scams requires vigilance, scepticism, and awareness of common tactics used by fraudsters. So, stay informed and follow the best practices for online safety. Remember to trust your instincts, verify the credibility of individuals and organisations, and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. Together, we can create a safer online environment for all citizens and residents of Singapore.
The secret to moisturized lips is our handpicked selection of lip oils priced under $34.
Bid farewell to lip balms and discover the hydration of lip oils if you want lips that are not just protected but also nourished, soft, supple, and irresistibly kissable.
Feel like your lips have forgotten what hydration means?
BURT’S BEES lip oil features a 100% natural formula packed with sweet almond oil and other nourishing ingredients that instantly moisturize dry, chapped lips.
The lightweight oil provides hydration for up to 8 hours without feeling sticky.
Rich in essential fatty acids, the blend of natural oils like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and shea butter helps lips retain moisture so you can stop reapplying balms.
Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or petrolatum.
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The formula, made with 93% natural-origin ingredients including sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil, subtly colors and smoothens your lips, resulting in a pigment that stays put and doesn’t bleed.
The applicator dispenses just the right amount for an even application that never looks overdone.
With its blend of natural oils and hydrating ingredients, this lip oil shields your lips from dryness while adding a high-shine glossy finish.
Swipe on this ultra-moisturizing lip oil for a juicy, glossy pout that’s kissably soft.
This jelly-textured formula from THE CRÈME SHOP X Hello Kitty delivers hydration thanks to jojoba oil and vitamin E that help restore supple lips and promote cell turnover.
Free from parabens and sulfates, it contains no harsh chemicals, just ingredients for lips that feel like velvet.
Simply swipe a clear layer onto bare lips for an instant boost of moisture, or layer over lipstick for a high-shine finish.
Last on our list, we have this lip oil that gives you the best of both worlds: gloss and color that stays put for hours.
The gel-to-oil formula glides on smoothly, hues your lips in a buildable wash of sheer-to-medium pigment, and leaves a slick of shine—no stickiness.
The tinted oil hydrates your lips so they feel soft and look healthy, while the lightweight formula means you barely know it’s there.
With just one swipe you can achieve a subtle tint, or layer it up for a higher highlight.
Eight versatile shades give you endless options for day or night, and every one stays put through coffee, cocktails, and beyond.
Make a change to your lip care regimen with these lip oils under $34, curated to deliver the hydration and protection your lips crave. Take a rest from ineffective lip balms and welcome a new era of moisture. With these lip oils, your lips will be wrapped in softness, ensuring they stay plump and healthy day in and out.
