Action Looms For Johor Car Washes Favouring Singapore Cars

Photo: MStar.
If you’re running a car wash in Johor and only entertaining foreign-registered vehicles, you might not be running it for long.

That’s the warning from Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman, Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, after social media complaints surfaced about a car wash in Johor Bahru allegedly rejecting local cars in favour of vehicles with Singapore plates.

“This isn’t just about business preferences. It’s about fairness. If you're operating in Johor but brushing off locals just to chase foreign profits, we won’t stand for it,” said Jafni.

Jafni stated local councils have been told to look into such cases and won’t hesitate to take action if the claims are true.

“Licences will be cancelled if this continues. No exceptions,” the chairman added.


Jafni also urged businesses to strike a balance between making money and serving the community.

“It’s natural to want profits. But you can’t forget the people living here. It’s the same principle we apply in housing. Developers can profit, but they also need to build homes locals can afford,” he said.

The issue gained traction after reports claimed a Johor Bahru car wash, allegedly run by foreign workers, turned away Malaysian walk-in customers, saying all time slots were booked exclusively for Singaporean vehicles.

Jafni stressed that the state government will not hesitate to act against any business that disregards the rights and needs of local residents.
“We’re not against welcoming foreign customers. But when locals are pushed aside, that’s where we draw the line,” he concluded.