Even if Omicron version disrupts VTL expansion, Singapore and Malaysia want'more open borders.'

[ASEAN NOW Content Team]

 

Even if the new Omicron coronavirus type hampers plans to expand the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between the two countries, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed on Monday that both countries desire "more open borders" (Nov 29).

On the first day of the land and air VTL between Singapore and Malaysia, Mr Lee and his Malaysian counterpart, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, gave addresses at the Istana.
Mr. Ismail Sabri is visiting Singapore for the first time.

 

Mr Lee stated that the goal is to expand the land VTL to cover general travellers by the middle of December, notwithstanding the public health condition.
Travelers must currently be citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a long-term pass of the country they are entering.

They also discussed expanding the land VTL to cover bus services on the Tuas Second Link, trains run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu, and "gradually" personal vehicles like cars and motorcycles, according to Mr Ismail Sabri.

 

The leaders also discussed creating a sea VTL, potentially between Singapore's Tanah Merah ferry port and Desaru, Johor, as well as expanding the air VTL to encompass Penang, Langkawi, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu.

"Of course, all of this is contingent on COVID-19, because we're all waiting to see how the new Omicron variant behaves," Mr Lee explained.

"Even if Omicron thwarts these intentions, our ultimate goal is for Singapore and Malaysia to have more open borders.
And I'm convinced that, given enough time, we'll be able to make even more progress."

 

According to studies, the new Omicron version is possibly more contagious than the existing prevalent Delta type, thus countries are racing to contain it.
Some countries have closed their borders to international visitors or imposed stricter restrictions on them.

Authorities discovered a COVID-19 case through an on-arrival antigen quick test conducted at the Causeway's Johor entrance point, Malaysia's Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said on Monday.

 

Authorities are performing a polymerase chain reaction test to confirm the positive result and determining whether passengers on the same bus should be quarantined or subjected to other restrictions, according to Mr Khairy.

 

Nonetheless, Mr Lee stated at the Istana that the VTLs will assist people working in both countries in reuniting with their loved ones and strengthening economic and business ties.

"We will begin with small numbers of VTLs, and it will take some time before we can approach pre-COVID levels of travel," he continued.

 

"But we'll take it one step at a time and get it working first.
We will boost travel volumes as the situation worsens."

Mr Ismail Sabri also stated that restoring the Singapore-Malaysia border was critical in resuming commercial and social activities that would benefit both nations' citizens.

Mr. Lee expressed his desire to continue increasing bilateral ties and cooperation with Malaysia, as well as developing strong ties with Mr. Ismail Sabri.

 

"Malaysia and Singapore are close neighbours with a common history.
Our economies are intricately linked.
Our people have great kinship, friendship, and memory ties "Added he.

"As a result, both sides struggled to close their borders."