Both Malaysia and Singapore have designated August 10th as the target resumption date for cross-border travel between the two nations.
According to both Singapore and Malaysia’s foreign affairs office, they have agreed to implement the Reciprocal Green Lane and Periodic Commuting Arrangement.
The cross-border agreement allows both Singaporeans and Malaysians access to each other’s countries.
However, only residents holding immigration passes can enjoy the diplomatic travel agreement set by both of the countries.
Both foreign affairs offices stipulated that only business and work purposes will be initially allowed under the agreement.
Residents seeking to avail of the travel privilege must present a “controlled itinerary” to the receiving country. The visitors should strictly adhere to the itinerary they have given, both foreign affairs offices reiterated.
The travelers must also strictly abide by the respective covid-19 protocols of both countries.
Under the agreement, workers are allowed a “short-term home leave” once they have posted at least three months under their country of work.
Both nations are still deliberating the finalized standard operating procedures and implementing the said agreement’s rules and regulations.
According to officials, they will publish the necessary processes ten days before the cross-border agreement’s targeted start date.
The joint statement by Malaysia and Singapore read:
“Malaysia and Singapore have also agreed to develop other appropriate schemes for the cross-border movement of people including a daily cross-border commuting proposal for work purposes for travelers from both countries, while taking into account the required health protocols and available medical resources in both countries to ensure the safety of the citizens of both sides.
This will allow both sides to progressively restore cross-border people-to-people interaction and economic exchanges.”
Due to the continued infectiousness of covid-19, Malaysia and Singapore are still implementing tight regulations to avoid the pandemic’s resurgence.
Singapore has deported several immigrants due to the non-compliance of its enacted coronavirus protocols.
The previous happenings of the deported immigrants serve as a reminder that Singapore will not hesitate to uphold its health protocols.
On the other hand, Malaysia curbed the virus through its strict Movement Control Orders in place, also the aggressive coronavirus testing to Malaysians.
Source: CNA
