M’sian & Singaporean Ministers Fist-Bump at The Causeway During A Meeting to Reopen Borders

By Charmaine Shaharin  •  27 Jul 2020 in News

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Ever since the implementation of the MCO on March 18, the borders between Malaysia and Singapore have been closed, making only heavy vehicles the only ones being able to pass through to transport items.

Therefore, with the Johor-Singapore Causeway apparently deserted and empty, a recent meeting was conducted by Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, where they also exchanged fist bumps. See, official meetings can be cool too!

According to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in The News Straits Times, the borders between Malaysia and Singapore may be reopening soon this August 17 under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCS).

The plan for the borders to reopen was made after the meeting with his Singaporean counterpart, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the causeway. He explained that starting by August 10, Malaysians who are eligible under the RGL and PCS may submit their applications to the Immigration Department.

“Both countries will announce the conditions and procedures for the applications of both schemes shortly,” Hishammuddin said in a joint statement with Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

In the RGL scheme, cross-border travels for essential business and official purposes between both countries would be enabled for the residents of Singapore and Malaysia. As for long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes or to enter either country for work, they are both under the PCS scheme.

However, as for the two other schemes which are Category 3 and 4, that are mostly meant for individuals who travel to Singapore often to work, and the total reopening of the border are still on hold at the moment as the Malaysian and Singapore Government are still figuring out the details whilst looking at the Covid-19 situation before enforcing it.

Following the reports on The Malay Mail, if this proposal has been approved Covid-19 screening test will be conducted by both countries on commuting workers. Approval would depend on the level of discipline and compliance of the people in both countries within the RGL and PCS schemes.

“If the people of both countries comply with the SOPs, then we will see the probability of allowing cross-border travel under the third and fourth categories,” said Hishammuddin, He had also pressed the importance for travellers, especially Malaysians, to strictly follow the SOPs set by both of the governments.

“We will detail the SOP announcement in due time, but I hope the public understands how important the opening of the Malaysia-Singapore border is for the government,” he added.

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