We last reported on Apr 2009 that usage of CPF (Medisave) might soon be possible in Malaysian hospitals.
Less than 1 year since our initial posting, the Singapore Government acted fast and in Feb 2010, the Ministry of Health (MOH) declared officially that Singaporeans will be able to use CPF Medisave for payment in 12 hospitals/medical centers in Malaysia starting 1st March 2010. The nearest of these 12 hospitals/medical centers to Singapore is the Regency Specialist Hospital located in Johor Bahru (Regency is just an hour’s drive from Singapore or just 25 minutes away from the Johor Bahru CIQ).
With the medical bills in Malaysian hospitals expected to be some 20%-35% cheaper compared to Singapore hospitals, this is good news for Singapore citizens who now have an alternative in managing escalating health care costs. To top it up, these 12 hospitals and medical centers in Malaysia are actually owned by 2 health care group in Singapore: Health Management International (HMI) and Parkway Holdings. Expect a certain standard of medical health-care and facilities to be provided Read on…
February 18th, 2010
As we usher in the year of the Tiger, do note the following if you are crossing the causeway between Singapore and Johor Bahru during the Lunar Chinese New Year.
1. White Card/ Form is now required for entry into Johor Bahru! Yes, this is like the up-teem time the Malaysian authorities had been changing their mind but since 1st Feb 2010, white cards are now required at both the Johor Bahru Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail custom as well as at Linkedua (2nd Link). This reverses an earlier decision on 4th Jan 2010 that white card would no longer be required. See related post here.
2. In addition to (1) above, note that the format of the white card has changed as well. This is a slight improvement compared with the earlier white cards with less page to fill up. Not to worry if you had actually stocked up tons of the old white cards. They can still be used.
Limsimi.com - Front page of new White Card (bottom) versus old White Card (Top)
Limsimi.com - Back page of new White Card (bottom) versus old White Card (top)
3. Expected traffic jams from Singapore to Johor Bahru.
The following peak periods will see you losing 2.5 hours of your life queuing away to get into Johor Bahru. Stay away from these peak periods if you can: Read on…
February 7th, 2010
With the air over the controversial 20 litre petrol cap on SG registered vehicles cleared, the Malaysian Government will be implementing yet a different set of control measure.
Come May 2010, there will presumably be a central tracking system which monitors the amount of petrol purchased at subsidized price by Malaysians. The process will require Malaysians to produce their MyKad upon payment to enjoy petrol at subsidized rates. In addition, each MyKad will be linked to 1 single car – you can only use your MyKad to enjoy subsidized rate for only 1 of your vehicle. Too bad if you own multiple vehicles - you will need to leverage on your spouse’s MyKad or that of your siblings/parents. A large-scale car owner registration exercise will be launched in conjunction with the new petrol subsidy mechanism to be implemented beginning 1st May 2010.
Besides grabbling with the 1 car per person limitations Read on…
February 2nd, 2010
