1,440 people to travel between Johor-Singapore during first week of vaccinated travel lane

Johor Bahru — Johor Chief Minister Hasni Mohammad announced that 1,440 people are expected to cross the Johor-Singapore border in the first week of implementing the land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore.

“I have good news to share. We have been in constant communication with the respective authorities and the federal government, and the state has been confirmed that land travel will happen on the 29th of this month (November), said Mr Hasmi, reported Malaysia’s National News Agency, Bernama.

Singapore’s Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Saturday (Nov 20) that it was possible for land VTL to be launched “on the same day” as the planned air VTL between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which was scheduled for Nov 29.

The VTL scheme allows fully vaccinated travellers to Singapore to enter the country without serving quarantine or stay-home notice, although they are required to take Covid-19 tests.

It was reported that the daily quota for the VTL scheme is 10,000 travellers.

However, when the Singapore–Johor border is opened, the VTL cap will have a “smaller number, with a certain limit quota,” said Mr Gan, noting that priority would be given to families who have been separated during the pandemic.

Before travel restrictions were imposed, approximately 300,000 Malaysians would cross the Causeway for work daily.

Meanwhile, Mr Hasni estimated that 1,440 individuals would cross the border between Singapore and Malaysia in the first week of land VTL.

He added that Malaysia’s Health Ministry and the Johor state government are strengthening Covid-19 testing measures at land border checkpoints in preparation.

“It was decided that land travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru will only include the long-term pass holders who are employed or working in Singapore or in Johor Bahru,” Mr Hasni added during a state assembly session on Sunday (Nov 21).

Whether the travellers will only be allowed to take public transportation or use private vehicles when the border reopens is still being discussed.

Mr Hasni reassured the public that “For these schemes, we are able to accommodate more than 2,000 commuters daily … and conduct testing. For the 1,440 in the land VTL, Johor is prepared.”

He also expects the number of travellers to increase to 2,500 in the second week of land VTL and 5,000 in the third week.

“This is an important victory in cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore, and it can help recover the economy of both countries, and that of Johor,” said Mr Hasni, as quoted by Channel News Asia. /TISG

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