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JOHOR BARU: Malaysia will continue to hold talks with Singapore on the full reopening of the two land crossings even though the former has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases of late, says Prime Minister Datuk’s Department (Economy) Minister. Seri Mustapa Mohamad.
He said that both governments had often spoken about reopening the border with the island republic.
“The Economic Action Council (EAC) always looks at this in our weekly meetings.
“During the last meeting, the topic was the tourism sector, which has been affected by the pandemic and the closure of the border.
“The country lost about half of foreign tourists, and about 50% of them came from Singapore. So we understand how the sector is affected, ”he said after a working visit to Larkin Flat here yesterday.
Mustapa said that the issue of the total reopening of the border was among the main focuses of the government, adding that they would continue to seek an adequate solution.
“The discussion is led by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is always in contact with his Singaporean counterpart on the issue,” he added.
Mustapa acknowledged that the state was affected by the closure of the border, which Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad had raised many times.
He said that there were many locals who worked on the other side of the Causeway, while Singaporeans preferred to come here to travel and shop.
The closure of the border had impacted the state’s economy, he said.
“We really understand that the Covid-19 pandemic has many risks and caused many problems, but there must be a balance between health and financial problems.
“We are hopeful that when the time comes, the border will reopen albeit in stages, as it will help in the recovery of Johor’s economy,” he said.
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