Johor Tabling a ‘Special Plan’ to Reopen SG-MY Borders As Many People & Businesses Are Affected

By
Shawn Ambrose
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Crossing the border used to be as easy as getting on the MRT.

You’d show your passport, put on a smile, and go on to stuff your face with banana cake.

But ever since the coronavirus made an appearance and forced both Singapore and Malaysia to implement border restrictions, we’ve found it rather difficult to get our hands on some banana cake.

Some might call Covid-19 a cakeblocker.

Reader: That was so bad

Well, life is bad right now.

Fortunately, things are improving here in sunny Singapore, and while Malaysia is experiencing a slight spike in infections, we may be able to cross the border soon after all.

Johor Tabling a ‘Special Plan’ to Reopen SG-MY Borders As People & Businesses Are Affected

The Johor government will be tabling a special plan to facilitate the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border at the Causeway and Second Link, said Johor Chief Minister Hasni Mohammad.

The plan will be tabled on 19 Oct, which is just one week away.

Image: Tenor

Minister Hasni said the plan will consider Malaysians working in Singapore, as well as the “effects of investment in Johor”, including those who want to enter JB to invest.

And by invest, I think he’s talking about shopping and buying banana cakes.

“We need to explain why the measure (border reopening) was necessary as we cannot continue to be in this situation as many of our people are affected, similarly the business sector as well,” he said.

One of the reasons the Johor government is so insistent on reopening the border is because revenue from the two checkpoints contributes up to 50% of Malaysian Customs’ tax collection, Minister Hasni said.

The only problem is that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has clearly stated that Malaysia is in no rush to fully reopen its border with Singapore.

And he has good reason to be hesitant right now.

See, while Malaysia had previously managed to contain the virus, they’ve been experiencing a recent spike in infections that is alarming, to say the least.

Image: Worldometers

After three months of less than 100 cases daily, the country has reported hundreds of infections every day, with a record 691 cases on 6 Oct, its highest tally ever. 

As PM Muhyiddin said: “We must strike a fine balance between protecting lives and livelihoods of all Malaysians.”

So, while the Johor government wants to reopen, the central Malaysian government is a little hesitant.

Cross-Border Travel Only Allowed For Business, Official, and Work Purposes

Now, you’re probably wondering: aren’t workers allowed to enter Singapore right now? 

Well, yes and no.

For those who don’t know, cross-border travel is only permitted for business, official, and work purposes at the moment, which falls under two schemes:

  • the reciprocal green lane (RGL)
  • the periodic commuting arrangement (PCA)

The RGL allows short-term travel for up to 14 days for essential business or official purposes.

Conversely, the PCA allows residents of both countries who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country to enter that country for work.

But the problem is, that under the PCA, only a maximum of 2,000 people are allowed to enter per day.

Sounds like a lot, right?

Except a total of 300,000 Malaysians used to enter Singapore for work or school on a daily basis before the pandemic, according to SCMP.

This is why the Johor government is pushing for a border reopening.

But whether the central government will agree to this “special plan” remains to be seen.

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]