Across the crossway, Malaysia announced that they will be banning citizens from countries with more than 150,000 Covid-19 cases to enter, effective from 7 September onwards.
Some of these countries include the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia and Bangladesh.
This measure is put in place to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases in the country due to imported cases.
Malaysia has been hardcore about keeping Covid-19 numbers down, so much so that even though they’ve entered lockdown earlier than Singapore, their RMCO (a very relaxed version of their lockdown) will be ongoing until the end of the year.
Exceptions allowed on a case-by-case basis
However, there are exceptions.
Senior minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, mentioned that “for emergency cases or involving bilateral relations, such as if a person needs to come for a meeting between countries,” they will allow entry.”
But, he added, permission is needed from the immigration department.
Previously, on 1 Sep 2020, it was announced that citizens and long-term pass holders from Indonesia, India and the Philippines are not allowed to travel to Malaysia.
The reason for this ban is due to the spike in Covid-19 cases in these three countries.
This measure will also take effect on 7 Sep 2020 (next week).
Malaysians In High-Risk Countries Still Allowed To Return
Malaysians residing in high-risk countries will still be allowed to return home to Malaysia. These residents will have to serve a 14-day compulsory quarantine at designated places.
As of September 3, there were a total of 9,374 Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, out of which 14 were new cases.
Another Reason For S’poreans To Keep Numbers Down
Several months back, the hearts of many Singaporeans sank when it was announced that Malaysia will be closing its borders to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
We bid a tearful goodbye to cheap(er) groceries, the petrol stations and cinemas.
Having nowhere to go, we stayed home to binge-watch Netflix and also had several heart-to-heart conversations with our cats.
It’s not just us either.
Businesses were badly affected over at Malaysia, so much so that the 29-year-old Puteri Pacific Hotel at JB had to cease operations and JB malls became ghost towns.
Currently, Singapore and Malaysia resumed cross border travel for two schemes: The reciprocal green lane (RGL) and periodic commuting arrangement (PCA).
Travel for leisure into JB, however, will take a tad bit longer no matter how much people on both sides want it.
At least now you have one more reason to want to keep Covid-19 infections down; to be able to enjoy Hiap Joo banana cake and KL-style chee cheong fun in person again.
As of September 3, Singapore has a total of 56,908 cases.
Speaking of Hiap Joo Banana Cake, Here’s One Way To Get It While We’re Still Stuck in S’pore
Watch this for a complete summary of what REALLY happened to Qoo10, and why it's like a K-drama:
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