JOHOR BARU: The cross border travel between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to start Aug 17, at the earliest.
This was after both countries agreed and finalised the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) travel schemes.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysians who are eligible for the two schemes can submit their applications to the Immigration Department beginning Aug 10.
"Both countries will announce the conditions and procedures for the applications of both schemes shortly," Hishammuddin said in a joint statement with his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
The RGL scheme would enable cross-border travels for essential business and official purposes between both countries while the PCA scheme would allow residents of both Singapore and Malaysia, with long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter either country for work.
Hishammuddin said for the two other schemes proposed, namely for those who commute daily to Singapore for work (Category 3) and the total opening of the border (Category 4), both governments were still fine tuning various details before implementing them.
"This is because it is related to the issue of safety and health considering the Covid-19 situation has yet to be resolved," said Hishammuddin.
Earlier, Hishammuddin and Vivian met at the border of both countries on the Causeway to discuss the matter. Also present was Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
Speaking to the media later, Hishammuddin said the success of the RGL and PCA schemes would depend on the discipline of the public in adhering to the SOPs that have been agreed by both nations.
"It is important for those involved to be disciplined in following the SOPs. We will not compromise on this matter and will take stern action against those who don't follow the SOPs.
"The success of the implementation of the RGL and PCA schemes would also make it easier for both countries to consider the implementation of Category 3 and Category 4," said Hishammuddin.
He said the government has to balance between the importance of health and economy when making a decision.
"It is a delicate balance and any decision can't be permanent and comprehensive. If the number of Covid-19 cases does not increase, then we can move to implement the two other categories but if the number increases, then we would not hesitate to close the border again," said Hishammuddin.
He also said that the success of the RGL and PCA schemes with Singapore can also be used as a template for cross border travel with countries in the green bubble.
"If this is successful, there is no reason not to allow travel between Malaysia and other green bubble countries such as New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Japan," said Hishammuddin.