Travellers between Malaysia and Singapore can submit applications from 10 August

Those looking to travel between Malaysia and Singapore can start submitting their applications to do so from 10 August. 

According to a joint press release by both countries' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore and Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia had a meeting at the Causeway on Sunday, 26 July 2020 to discuss the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).

Post the discussion, the two ministers announced that Singapore and Malaysia have agreed on the key aspects of the RGL and PCA which will facilitate cross-border travel for official, business and work purposes between both countries.

Applications can be submitted from 10 August 2020 onwards. Eligible travellers will have to abide by the mutually agreed terms and prevailing public health measures in both countries.

The operational details of the RGL and PCA, including the detailed requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Singapore and Malaysia, will be finalised and published shortly.

Compulsory to wear masks in Malaysia from 1 August onwards

In other related news, in hope to help stop the number of positive cases from rising, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that from 1 August 2020, wearing masks will be compulsory when travelling in public transportation or in crowded places in Malaysia, Bernama reported.

During the media conference, Ismail Sabri also warned that if people continue to ignore the standard operating procedure (SOP), the number of cases may increase to three digits and the Movement Control Order (MCO) may be enforced again.

While the government has reinforced the order for affected people to be quarantined in designated quarantine stations, he urged the public to continue practising self-discipline and do their part to fight the disease.

He expressed hope that these efforts would curb the spread of the disease and once again bring down the number of cases - mostly involving those returning from overseas.

People who have not taken the second screening test on 13th day of home quarantine will be arrested

Meanwhile, those who returned to Malaysia before 24 July and are currently under the monitoring and observation order at home should abide by all the conditions, urged Malaysia's Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

On that note, Ismail Sabri also warned that beginning today, people who have not taken the second screening test on the 13th day of home quarantine will be arrested and charged.

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