S’pore Won’t Reopen SG-JB Borders if COVID-19 Cases in Johor Continue to Spike

We’ve all known for a while. But it still hurts to have our deepest fear confirmed.

Yes folks, you did not misinterpret the headline.

If Johor fails to prevent a spike in Covid-19 cases, Singapore will not reopen the SG-JB borders.

And though that entails a devastating blow to numerous sectors;

Our main concern still lies with Hiap Joo’s Banana Cake.

Exactly how long more do we have to go without it?

S’pore Won’t Reopen SG-JB Borders if COVID-19 Cases in Johor Continue to Spike

According to The Straits Times, Johor MCA Government Affairs coordinating chairman Michael Tay has unveiled the ultimatum:

Should Covid-19 cases in Johor spike, Singapore would not reopen the two land checkpoints.

“We have been declared a red zone. This is not good, especially when we are looking at reopening the border for workers soon, ” he said.

The declaration was made on Thursday (29 October).

As of 29 October, 65 active cases in the district were reported.

“Ten new Covid-19 cases were reported on Thursday, including nine cases from existing clusters and one from other screenings, ” said state Health and Environment Committee chairman R. Vidyananthan on 30 October.

Saving Johor’s Economy

Mr Tay hopes that everyone would comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP).

These include safety distancing, as well as the wearing of masks.

Since the border closure on 18 March, Johor has faced a downturn in its economy.

And Mr Tay is keen to avoid prolonging it.

“If the government announces a conditional movement control order (MCO) similar to the Klang Valley here in Johor Baru, we are all going to be in serious trouble,” he said.

And Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Low Kueck Shin concurs.

“We need to work really hard to ensure the numbers do not go up in the months to come. This is crucial for the state’s economy.

“I urge everyone to take the SOP seriously. Sacrifices such as limiting unnecessary travels must be made, ” he said.

“I urge employers to be alert and take note of their workers’ health, ” he said.

Following the district’s designation as a red zone, the state government has called for kindergartens, childcare centres, community rehabilitation centres (PDK), children and senior citizens activity centres, as well as religious schools to cease operations.

“Considering the current Covid-19 pandemic development in Johor and the confirmation of Johor Baru district as a red zone by the Health Ministry, we have decided to shut down kindergarten and childcare centres and other such activity centres in the district to curb the spread of the disease,” said State women development, family and community committee chairman Zaiton Ismail.

“This is also in line with the letter issued by the state Welfare Department (JKM) director on Oct 12 that all Taska, day care centres, activity centres and PDK needed to be closed for areas that have been declared a red zone.”

To Date

Lest you’ve forgotten, on 18 March, the Malaysian government announced a nationwide partial lockdown that resulted in the closure of the border between Johor Bahru and Singapore.

And on 23 March, Singapore shut off its own borders, with few exemptions allowed to enter.

Because of this border closure, more than 35,000 Johor residents working in Singapore have lost their jobs.

Meanwhile, the sudden spike in cases across the causeway can be linked to the recent 16th Sabah State Election, wherein many from Peninsular Malaysia campaigned in the state (Sabah is in East Malaysia, an area that can only be reached by air) and ended up taking the virus back with them.

Apparently, a UMNO supreme council member had not followed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when campaigning at a Sipitang Tamu, a Sabah traditional market during the period. And not long after, another UMNO member, the party’s information chief Shahril Hamdan, tested positive for the virus after entering the same area.

With the elections behind them, more politicians have also been ascertained to be Covid-19 positive, including Deputy Minister of Environment and Water, Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Mohamad.

To date, the country has more than 25,000 cases, more than double the numerical figure just a month ago.

Since 14 October, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have also been under a partial lockdown.

The Johor Baru district has been declared a red zone after it has more than 40 COVID-19 cases in 14 days. At this moment, the state has 906 cases and 21 deaths.

And to end off, here’s an online recipe to satiate your craving for now.

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