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Plans for 10 Aug start for 2 cross-border travel schemes between Singapore, Malaysia

There was gridlock on the causeway between Malaysia and Singapore before the travel ban
Causeway between Malaysia and Singapore (FILE PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore)

SINGAPORE — Singapore and Malaysia are working towards implementing two schemes of cross-border travelling by 10 August: the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).

In a media release on Tuesday (14 July), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) added that both governments will publish the requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore 10 days before the cross-border travelling begins.

Schemes to address needs of different groups

The two cross-border travelling schemes are meant to address the needs of different groups of cross-border travellers between both countries.

The RGL will enable cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes between both countries.

Eligible travellers will have to abide by the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by both countries which include undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests.

Travellers will also be expected to submit to the relevant authorities of the receiving country a controlled itinerary and adhere to this controlled itinerary during their visit.

The PCA will allow Singapore and Malaysia residents, who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter that country for work.

After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return to their home country for a short-term home leave, and thereafter re-enter their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months.

These travellers will also have to abide by the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries.

Finalising standard operating procedures

Officials are working towards the targeted implementation of both schemes on 10 August, with relevant agencies continuing their consultation to finalise the standard operating procedures of the two initiatives.

Both countries have also agreed to develop other appropriate schemes for the cross-border movement of people, including a daily cross-border commuting proposal for work purposes for travellers from both countries.

Such schemes will take into account the required health protocols and available medical resources in both countries to ensure the safety of the citizens of both sides.

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