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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed hope that Singapore and Malaysia will soon finalize arrangements for the daily movement of workers between the two countries as border restrictions begin to ease amid the COVID pandemic. -19.
In a Facebook post on Thursday night (September 3) after meeting with Singapore’s High Commissioner in Malaysia, Vanu Gopala Menon, Muhyiddin said that they discussed the implementation of the Reciprocal Greenway (GLN) and the Displacement Agreement. Newspaper (PCA) on the Singapore-Malaysia border. , which began on August 17.
He said they both agreed that the implementation of the two schemes has gone smoothly and effectively.
READ: Generally smooth process at the Singapore-Malaysia border crossing on the first day of RGL, PCA
“I hope that Malaysia and Singapore will quickly finalize the standard operating procedures regarding the proposal to allow the daily movement of workers between the two countries, to boost the national economy and help affected workers,” the prime minister added.
The PCA allows citizens of Singapore and Malaysia or permanent residents who have long-term immigration passes for business and employment purposes in the other country to enter that country for work.
Meanwhile, the RGL is intended for residents of Malaysia and Singapore who wish to undertake short trips, up to 14 days, for essential business and official purposes.
“We also reaffirm the commitment to ensure that the movement of many people across our borders continues smoothly without ignoring the security of both countries,” the Malaysian leader wrote.
“We are determined that this will help both Malaysia and Singapore to recover our respective economies and … gradually help citizens affected by the pandemic.”
Mr. Muhyiddin also said that the discussion with Mr. Menon touched on the efforts of the two countries to strengthen and forge bilateral ties, exploring new areas in which they can collaborate, such as science, technology and innovation.
“We are aware that the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore have to prosper, although both countries are going through a challenging period, especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Muhyiddin said.
READ: Singapore and Malaysia hold ceremony at Causeway to mark resumption of RTS Link project
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gathered at the midpoint of the Causeway on July 30, 2020 to witness the ceremony marking the official resumption of the system liaison project. rapid transit (RTS). (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
“We believe that Malaysia and Singapore have the experience, capacity and knowledge to overcome the long-term threat of the pandemic,” he added.
To do this, he stressed that both countries must intensify their working ties and collaborate to “prevent, stop and control the spread of COVID-19.”
As member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he said the two should work together on the research and development of a COVID-19 vaccine, in the field of epidemiology, antiviral medication and a public health system that would “ultimately benefit to both countries “. .
READ: FAQ: How can workers travel between Singapore and Malaysia and what are the COVID-19 protocols in place?
In his Facebook post, Muhyiddin also referred to the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.
“Regarding the HSR project, I hope that ministerial level discussions involving both countries can be held in the near future to discuss the direction of the project,” he wrote.
In May, both countries said they had reached an agreement to postpone the project until the end of the year.
On the Singapore-Malaysia leaders’ retreat to be held this year, Mr. Muhyiddin noted that it was Singapore’s turn to host the event. He urged officials from both countries to discuss and suggest suitable arrangements on how to carry out the withdrawal.
In July, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said both sides “will find some way” to carry out the withdrawal of the Singapore-Malaysian leaders this year.
He spoke after a ceremony on the Calzada to mark the official resumption of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link project.
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