Under a VTL-like agreement, the land border between Singapore and Malaysia may reopen 'in a few weeks.'

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

The land border between Singapore and Malaysia could reopen in a few weeks under a "Vaccinated Travel Lane-like arrangement," which could be a significant step toward ending the two countries' 20-month separation, which has put a lot of pressure on families.

On Monday (November 15), Gan Kim Yong, co-chairman of the Covid-19 multi-ministerial task team and Trade and Industry Minister, said that talks with Malaysia are proceeding well.

 

"We're working on launching this soon, probably in a few weeks," he added of the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link's gradual opening.
"On many levels, Singapore and Malaysia are closely linked, particularly among our people."

 

This follows previous announcements that a VTL between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport would begin operations on November 29.

Residents on both sides of the Causeway are looking forward to the opening of land borders, which will make travel more economical and convenient for people in both nations.

 

Before the epidemic, the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link experienced a combined daily traffic of of 415,000 people.

When Malaysia closed its borders in March of last year, this stream dried up almost completely, though the Singapore government responded by instituting a mechanism that allows workers to travel between the two nations with a stay-home notice.

In the event of a death or critical sickness, there is also a distinct programme for emergency visits.

Despite the travel restrictions, over 100,000 Malaysians continue to live and work in the country.

 

Mr Gan acknowledged the toll border restrictions have had on Singaporeans and Malaysians during a press briefing held by the task team on Monday.

"Due to border restrictions, many families have been separated from one another for a lengthy time.
We hope that many of them will be reunited as a result of this land link agreement, and they will be one of our top priorities "he stated

The launching of VTLs with India, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were among the other travel announcements made on Monday.