JOHOR BAHRU, Feb. 15 -- Some residents of the state capital here say they are being "priced out" of their own city, particularly in downtown areas, as the strong spending power of cross-border shoppers from Singapore drives up prices for everyday goods and festive items.

This phenomenon, dubbed "Singapore pricing," has led to a noticeable pullback in local spending this Chinese New Year season, The Straits Times reported.

Retailers at several festive bazaars said that "business is slow," with many locals choosing to shop at budget-friendly suburban hypermarkets, browse on e-commerce platforms, or simply buy less altogether.

"We don't plan to spend much... I think on the last day when the shops start to lelong (offer fire-sale discounts...