Singapore asked to consider allowing Malaysian personnel to commute daily: PM Muhyiddin
27 June, 2020
Malaysia features asked Singapore to consider allowing Malaysians performing there to commute daily between both countries, Primary Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Friday (Jun 26).
Mr Muhyiddin said he spoke to Singapore Primary Minister Lee Hsien Loong found in a phone conversation discussing the possible reopening of both countries’ borders.
In a statement on Facebook, he stated that authorities on equally sides concur that the reopening of borders ought to be done cautiously and predicated on certain guidelines.
“We happen to be in agreement that the reopening of our borders should be performed carefully according to particular health rules and protocols to rejuvenate the economical and tourism sectors, that will greatly gain both countries,” Mr Muhyiddin said.
He added that Malaysia was as well prepared to use Singapore to make certain that the proposed reciprocal green lane to facilitate activities between your two countries could possibly be finalised soon.
Muhyiddin said the leaders as well touched on the Periodical Commuting Arrangement between Malaysia and Singapore which, if implemented, would facilitate cross-border travel for the peoples of both countries.
“Under this set up, residents of both countries could work in the different country for an interval of fewer than three months and will be permitted to enter their country of origin when heading on leave.
“This proposal is in line with the government's concern over the fate of Malaysians, especially those employed in Singapore and who could not return home as a result of the tight standard operating procedure (SOP) for quarantine in both countries,” he added.
Muhyiddin said both countries were confident that problems of SOP and wellbeing protocols, that have been being fine-tuned by the relevant ministers, senior officials and health and wellbeing experts of both countries, could be exercised soon to aid the proposal to reopen borders.
"Any decision upon this contract, however, is at the mercy of the level of preparedness of both countries about the aspect of the capability to implement COVID-19 screening and swab tests,” he said.
"STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH"
Singapore will likely have a "step by step approach" on reopening its border with Malaysia, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said, in comments which were aired earlier this week.
Talking with host Diana Ser within an bout of CNA’s In Dialogue, he explained that reopening borders without measures like COVID-19 exams and contact tracing set up would be "unwise".
"But we can open up in techniques, have the correct measures to test people, contact trace persons because when you start, your risk (of infection) will inevitably increase," he said.
He added that he'd "hesitate to put a timeline" on when travel between your two countries would resume, as authorities on both sides of the Causeway need to workout many details, with consumer health being one major consideration.
Putrajaya had said the other day that Singaporeans could be permitted to enter Malaysia with no need to endure COVID-19 screening and home quarantine, but that there must be a reciprocal set up for Malaysians.
In response, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained any bilateral arrangements on travel would have to include mutually agreed public health protocols so that you can safeguard citizens of both countries.
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