Singapore, Malaysia to implement cross-border travel schemes

These are expected to be implemented by 10 August.

Singapore and Malaysia’s government have agreed to implement the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), according to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.

These two schemes are meant to address the needs of different groups of cross-border travellers between both countries, which are expected to be implemented by 10 August.

The RGL will enable cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes between both countries, according to the announcement. Travellers are also expected to submit a controlled itinerary to the relevant authorities of the receiving country and adhere to this during their visit.

On the other hand, the PCA will allow 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. After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return to their home country for a short-term home leave, and thereafter re-enter their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months.

Travellers will have to abide by the prevailing COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by both countries, which include undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests.

Further, Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to develop other appropriate schemes for the cross-border movement of people. This includes a daily cross-border commuting proposal for work purposes for travellers from both countries, whilst taking into account the required health protocols and available medical resources in both countries to ensure the safety of the citizens of both sides.

This is said to allow both sides to progressively restore cross-border people-to-people interaction and economic exchanges.