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ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Ministry of Health is looking into the possibility of fully reopening the border between Malaysia and Singapore for commuters in January.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Adham Baba (Photo) said on Friday (Sept. 11) that the recovery motion control order (MCO) period for the next four months would be an important moment for the country as it would determine whether it was possible to fully reopen the border with Singapore.
He said that during this time a more systematic approach would be taken in areas such as border control, physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment.
“We cannot use a trial and error approach,” he added.
He also said the ministry was considering doubling its capacity in traveler swab testing under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) plans.
Dr Adham said that when considering whether to fully open the border, the ministry had to consider people’s livelihoods, which had been affected by Covid-19.
“We must find a balance as both the economy and health are very important issues,” he said after attending the unveiling of a tribute to the avant-garde in the form of a mural made of Lego bricks at the Legoland Malaysia Resort here on Friday. .
The mural was presented by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad, Dr. Adham, and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hasni said the state government will continue to pressure Putrajaya to open the border with Singapore as soon as possible.
“Johor wants the border to be fully open to commuters and not just with the RGL and PCA.
“Before RGL and PCA, there was already movement between the two countries, and Malaysia was shipping cargo containing medical supplies and food,” he said.
On Thursday (September 10), Hasni told the Johor Assembly that the state could conduct more than 2,000 Covid-19 tests a day for those to and from Singapore under RGL and PCA.
It said that as of Aug. 31, 320 people had traveled to and from Singapore under the RGL, with another 8,270 under the PCA.
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