1st VTL Bus from JB to S’pore Only Had 3 Passengers; 2nd Bus Has Just 1 Passenger

After nearly two years, Malaysians and Singaporeans can finally cross the border over to the other side today (29 Nov).

While leisure travellers will not be allowed to enter under the first phase of the land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme, citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders can finally reunite with their families, from whom they’ve been separated for far too long.

One of the two approved bus operators, Transtar Travel, was supposed to arrive at Woodlands Bus Temporary Interchange at 9:30am for departure, but it had been delayed by over three hours, reportedly due to “an event held at the Causeway”.

Meanwhile, the bus going the other way barely had any passengers.

1st VTL Bus from JB to S’pore Only Had 3 Passengers; 2nd Bus Has Just 1 Passenger

When the Causeway Link bus departed Johor this morning for Singapore, only four people were onboard.

In the end, only three made it to Singapore.

One of the passengers, a man, boarded the bus like the other three passengers, but was escorted to another area by an officer when they reached Johor Baru Customs.

The bus waited for the man at first, but eventually left without him.

The second bus had just one passenger in it, who also said that there were delays at the JB customs. While he had to wait around 45 minutes, the man said the process was otherwise smooth.

One Positive Case Detected During On-Arrival Testing in Malaysia

As you know, travellers arriving in both countries under the VTL will be required to take an on-arrival antigen rapid test (ART), due to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

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This turned out to be a good move, as one positive case was detected in Malaysia today.

“This is why pre-departure (PDT) and on-arrival testing (OAT) are in place. As we safely reopen our borders, there will be positive cases at points of entry. Risk assessment, isolation & monitoring close contacts will become the norm,” tweeted Malaysia’s Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

Fortunately, most of the other travellers arriving here have been able to clear the automated lanes as they brought along the necessary documents and have submitted the SG Arrival Card in advance.

For incoming travellers, the antigen rapid test will be conducted at the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange and Queen Street Terminal. Payment will be made at these testing centres.

Under the land VTL, 1,440 travellers in Malaysia and Singapore will be permitted to cross the border daily via bus services.

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Featured Image: Facebook (Anberasan Thangarajoo)