JOHOR BARU: The city has been buzzing with activities as both Malaysians and Singaporeans enjoy a long weekend in conjunction with Labour Day and Hari Raya Aidlfitri.

       Third generation owner of a banana cake bakery, Lim Toh Huei, 34, said people started waiting outside his shop as early as 8am.

       “People have been coming non-stop since morning for the past few days, especially this weekend.

       “It is definitely a huge contrast when the border was closed,” he said, adding that at least 700 banana cakes were sold daily.

       Owner of another decades-old bakery, Salahuddin Shamsul, 58, said he was glad to see customers after two difficult years.

       “It is such a relief to see people coming back again. Some of my Singaporean customers even told me that they missed Johor and the food we have here.

       “The crowd this weekend has been encouraging and I believe things will improve further in months to come,” he said.

       Robin Jian, 60, who owns a restaurant, said his eatery would be filled with customers when it opened at 11am.

       “Most shops around here, especially well-known establishments, have been seeing better days since the border reopened.

       “After two years, our Singa- porean customers are finally able to make their way here to enjoy their holidays.

       “We are glad to see the vibrant energy coming back after two quiet years,” he said.

       Among those spotted enjoying the long weekend here was British national Jack Oakley, 22, who came here from Sabah with his friends.

       “We are looking forward to a relaxing time here this weekend.

       “We have been to the fun fair, thrift shops, bazaars and plan to go bowling as well,” said Oakley, who grew up in Sabah and Sarawak.

       Sabahan Muhd Izzat Feisul Idzwan, 22, said he is enjoying the much-needed vacation with his friends.

       “I plan to spend the weekend here with my friends before going back to Sabah for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It has been a nice experience so far,” he said.

       Singaporean Albert Lim, 34, said he was glad to visit Johor Baru again after two years ago.

       “I have been planning to drop by since early April but was not able to do so due to time constraints.

       “I finally got to make my way here on Friday with my family, and we plan to stay on till Monday,” he said.