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JOHOR BARU (THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – Johor will present its case to Putrajaya to fully reopen Malaysia’s border with Singapore, which has been closed for the past seven months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad .
He said the state government will present its plan to the Economic Action Council (EAC) on October 19.
“I have asked the Federal Government to consider the state’s request to fully open our border with the island republic.
“The plan not only covers the importance of opening our borders, but also includes those working in Singapore, as well as the impact on investments made in Johor,” he said on Sunday (October 11).
Datuk Hasni said that many sectors and businesses in Johor were badly affected due to the border closure, while many foreign investors have told the state government that they would no longer be able to operate if the border closure continues.
“We know that the border between Malaysia and Singapore is one of the busiest crossings in the world. The tax collected on our side of the Causeway and Second Link contributes to 50 percent of the revenue of the Customs Department.
“The government must not only consider our request, but must make a decision immediately, as we cannot be in this position for much longer,” he added.
He said that in addition to businesses, thousands of Malaysians who commute to Singapore for work could no longer do so and this has shocked them.
The Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Minister Mustapa Mohamed said last week that the Malaysian government would continue to hold talks with its Singaporean counterparts on the full reopening of the two land crossings even though the former has seen an increase in the cases of Covid-19 in recent times.
Datuk Seri Mustapa said he was among the government’s main focuses, adding that he would continue to search for a suitable solution.
“We 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 be reopened even in stages, as it will help in the recovery of Johor’s economy,” he added.
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