Foreign ministers meet on Causeway, agree to easier border crossings

The foreign ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to two mechanisms to facilitate easier border crossings for citizens of both countries.

This followed a meeting between Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan at the mid-way point of the Johor-Singapore Causeway this morning.

In a joint statement, the duo said both countries have agreed on a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) which will be launched soon, with applications opening on Aug 10.

"Eligible travellers will have to abide by the mutually-agreed terms and prevailing public health measures in both countries.

"The operational details of the RGL and PCA, including the detailed requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Singapore and Malaysia, will be finalised and published shortly," said the two ministers.

Putrajaya has closed its borders to most travellers as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

However, the Malaysia-Singapore border is one of the busiest border crossings in the world, and the border closure has led to complications for both countries.

Currently, both countries have eased lockdown measures and gradually opened their economies as new Covid-19 infections begin to taper down.

In a separate statement, Hishammuddin said he expected the RGL and PCA to be implemented as early as Aug 17.

He said there are two other schemes in the works, but it would depend on the ability of both countries in conducting daily Covid-19 tests for workers who travel daily.

"It also depends on the discipline and adherence of guidelines by the people of both countries," he said.

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