KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed hope that Singapore and Malaysia would soon finalise arrangements for daily commuting of workers between both countries, as border restrictions begin to ease amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Facebook post on Thursday evening (Sep 3) after meeting Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, Mr Muhyiddin said they discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which commenced from Aug 17.
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He said both of them agreed that the implementation of the two schemes has been done smoothly and effectively.
READ: Generally smooth process at Singapore-Malaysia border crossing on first day of RGL, PCA
"I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalise the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers," the prime minister added.
The PCA allows Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country to enter that country for work.
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Meanwhile the RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to do shorter-term travel of up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes.
"We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries," wrote the Malaysian leader.
"We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and … gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic."
Mr Muhyiddin also said that the discussion with Mr Menon touched on efforts by the two countries to strengthen and forge bilateral ties, by exploring new areas they can collaborate in, such as science, technology and innovation.
"We are aware that the bilateral ties for Malaysia-Singapore has to prosper although both countries are going through a challenging period, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Mr Muhyiddin.
READ: Singapore, Malaysia hold ceremony at Causeway to mark resumption of RTS Link project
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met at the midway point of the Causeway on Jul 30, 2020 to witness the ceremony marking the official resumption of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
"We believe that Malaysia and Singapore have the experience, ability and expertise to overcome the long term threat of the pandemic," he added.
To this end, he stressed that both countries must step up their working ties and collaborate to "prevent, curb and control the spread of COVID-19".
As member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he said both should work together in the research and development of a COVID-19 vaccine, in the field of epidemiology, antiviral medication and a public health system which would "finally benefit both countries".
READ: FAQ – How can workers travel between Singapore and Malaysia and what aRead More – Source
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed hope that Singapore and Malaysia would soon finalise arrangements for daily commuting of workers between both countries, as border restrictions begin to ease amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a Facebook post on Thursday evening (Sep 3) after meeting Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, Mr Muhyiddin said they discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) at the Singapore-Malaysia border, which commenced from Aug 17.
Advertisement
Advertisement
He said both of them agreed that the implementation of the two schemes has been done smoothly and effectively.
READ: Generally smooth process at Singapore-Malaysia border crossing on first day of RGL, PCA
"I hope Malaysia and Singapore would quickly finalise the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow for daily commuting of workers between both countries, to boost the national economy and help impacted workers," the prime minister added.
The PCA allows Singapore and Malaysia citizens or permanent residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country to enter that country for work.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Meanwhile the RGL is for Malaysia and Singapore residents keen to do shorter-term travel of up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes.
"We also reaffirmed the commitment to ensure movement of many people across our borders will continue to be done smoothly without ignoring the safety of both countries," wrote the Malaysian leader.
"We are determined this will help both Malaysia and Singapore recover our respective economies and … gradually help citizens impacted by the pandemic."
Mr Muhyiddin also said that the discussion with Mr Menon touched on efforts by the two countries to strengthen and forge bilateral ties, by exploring new areas they can collaborate in, such as science, technology and innovation.
"We are aware that the bilateral ties for Malaysia-Singapore has to prosper although both countries are going through a challenging period, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Mr Muhyiddin.
READ: Singapore, Malaysia hold ceremony at Causeway to mark resumption of RTS Link project
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong met at the midway point of the Causeway on Jul 30, 2020 to witness the ceremony marking the official resumption of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
"We believe that Malaysia and Singapore have the experience, ability and expertise to overcome the long term threat of the pandemic," he added.
To this end, he stressed that both countries must step up their working ties and collaborate to "prevent, curb and control the spread of COVID-19".
As member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he said both should work together in the research and development of a COVID-19 vaccine, in the field of epidemiology, antiviral medication and a public health system which would "finally benefit both countries".
