SINGAPORE - Singapore and Malaysia have finalised arrangements for long-term pass holders and travellers on essential or official business to cross the border - applications for which will kick off on Aug 10, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced on Sunday .
This will take into account the required health protocols and available medical resources in both countries to ensure the safety of citizens of both sides. "So there are quite a few more operational details that will need to be sorted out before we can get back to the daily commuting model." Before Covid-19 restrictions were in place, more than 300,000 people, many of them Malaysians working in Singapore, crossed the land checkpoints between the two countries daily. While some Malaysian workers have remained in Singapore since the movement control order came into force on March 18 - resulting in families being separated, others are stuck in Malaysia, which has affected Singapore businesses that rely on Malaysian manpower.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan talks about the reciprocal green lane and periodic commuting arrangement Eligible travellers for the green lane - meant for those on essential or official business - will have to abide by measures, including taking Covid-19 swab tests and submitting their itineraries.