Minister: Short Weekend Trips to M’sia Isn’t Possible ‘For Quite Some Time’

It’s been said again

And again.

But in case it hasn’t sunk in yet, travelling overseas for a short getaway isn’t possible for the near future.

Even if it’s to Malaysia.

Minister: Short Weekend Trips to M’sia Isn’t Possible ‘For Quite Some Time’

Yesterday (24 July 2020), during a multi-ministry task force press conference, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that people in Singapore shouldn’t expect to be able to make short trips for weekend holidays in Malaysia anytime soon.

Travel requirements between the two countries are “still stringent”.

“For those who are thinking about holidays, unfortunately I think we have to put off the idea for quite some time yet.”

Current Development In SG-MY Opening

Currently, the travel arrangement between Singapore and Malaysia is for essential workers only, he said.

On 10 Aug 2020, Singapore and Malaysia will commence the green lane and a periodic commuting arrangement travel schemes.

The first, Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL), is for essential business and official matters. Unfortunately, buying a banana cake from Hiap Joo Bakery doesn’t come under this category.

Individuals who are travelling via the RGL will have to undergo a swab test and submit an itinerary which must be kept to when they’re in that country.

The second category, Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), is meant for long-term immigration pass-holders from both countries to return to their homes for a short period of time.

How PCA Works:

So let’s say a Malaysian worker is working in NTUC Fairprice.

He has to stay and work in Singapore for at least three months before he can return to Malaysia for short-term home leave.

Then, he has to return to Singapore to work for another three months before he can go home again.

More details will be revealed later.

More Travel Arrangements In The Works:

The face of Singapore’s battle against Covid-19, Mr Lawrence Wong, said that Singapore and Malaysia are still in discussions about travel arrangements.

This includes making arrangements for daily commute between Singapore and Malaysia for those who need to come into Singapore for work or study.

However, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to come true anytime soon:

“We do not want to see that large volume of daily commuters, as was the case before Covid-19… Neither Malaysia nor Singapore will be able to accommodate that large volume of travel on a daily basis in a safe and sustainable manner in a Covid-19 environment.”

But does that mean you’re fated to the daily grind and wine until the day you’re allowed to fly out from Changi Airport again?

Not really, at least not when we have the S$45 million Singapoliday initiative:

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