The sale of Malaysian newspapers is banned in Singapore and the reverse is also true. In fact, it was and is still Malaysia that wanted to keep the ban. This dates from the separation of the 2 countries in 1965. It’s a long story to tell but if you knew the reason why Singapore was thrown out of Malaysia then you’ll understand why they didn’t want to have their respective populations reading each other’s newspapers. Over the years relations between the 2 countries have improved and there was talk of removing the ban – especially when citizens from both countries could access the online versions of each other’s national dailies. But politicians from both countries still feel that the time is not right.

Then there is the advertising revenue question.

It is odd when one day you realise you have not seen any billboards for ages- but the big thing for me was realising I had not seen any pron for 2 months and how refreshing it was not to be faced with it each time I went to a 7/11 or just walking down the street…Some billboards in Australia are verging on pornagraphic..Its kind of nice not to be bombarded with pictures of half naked models every where you go..

Its funny that the Satelite dishes are banned- the massive sticks that hang from every HDB window flying a colourful flag of clothing look far messier than any dish ever could…I guess they have to dry their clothes somehow..