Essential cross-border travel targeted to start from 10 August

Officials in Malaysia and Singapore are working towards the targeted implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) by 10 August 2020.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 14 July 2020 that both countries have come to a mutual agreement to implement the arrangements in order to address the needs of the different groups of cross-border travellers between both countries.

The implementation of the PCA and RGL will facilitate essential travel between the Singapore-Malaysia border

The implementation of the RGL means that cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes between both countries will be resumed.

Meanwhile, the PCA is designed to allow both 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.

Eligible travellers utilising the RGL will have to abide by the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by both countries, which include undergoing 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.

Travellers across the border will have to abide by prevailing COVID-19 prevention measures, which include undergoing swab tests

Those travelling across the border under the PCA meanwhile, may return to their home country for a short-term home leave, after at least three consecutive months in their country of work, and may 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.

The statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the targeted implementation date is designed to give time for the relevant agencies of both Governments to continue their consultation and to finalise the standard operating procedures.

The Governments of Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to publish the requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore, 10 days prior to their implementation of the RGL and PCA.