A Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be launching as soon as end of this month.
In a joint statement released on Monday (8 Nov), Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong announced the launch is on this 29th November, 2021.
“I am very happy that both our countries are finally able to restart cross-border travel through the VTLs. This will help revive our economies, restore our people-to-people ties, and strengthen our bilateral relationship.”
– Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong
Ismail Sabri said these VTLs (land links included), are yet another crucial milestone in the Malaysia-Singapore cooperation.
They allow travelling between the two neighbouring countries under careful and responsible monitoring. This will balance the countries’ economic recovery while ensuring the people’s safety from COVID-19.
On the other hand, Singaporean Transport Minister added that applications for the VTL with Malaysia will open this 22nd November 2021.
Further details will be provided by the Civil Aviation Authority as the date closes in.
Only Fully Vaccinated to Enjoy Travels
The VTL is only eligible to those fully vaccinated who may travel between Malaysia and Singapore. Every traveler must undergo COVID-19 tests and a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
Travelers must present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or the professionally administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART).
The tests must be taking 48 hours prior to departure and travelers will also be subjected to an on-arrival PCR test.
High Hopes for Land Links Restoration
Both ministers also express their highest of hopes in restoring travel across the land links as well in the near future.
A similar vaccinated travel scheme are in meticulous discussions. This is in regards to the reopening of travels between the Causeway and the Second Link.
Of course, this entails taking into serious consideration for the public health situations in both Johor and Singapore.
“I look forward to effective implementation of this travel scheme, adding to those we already have developed previously to facilitate movements of people and goods between Malaysia and Singapore.”
– Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong
Multi-ministry Task Force on the VTL
Meanwhile, a Multi-ministry Taskforce on COVID-19’s virtual press conference was held in Singapore, providing further details on the VTL between KLIA and Changi airport.
Iswaran told reporters the VTL will commence with six daily designated services between the two airports.
“Pre-COVID, the Singapore Kuala Lumpur international air route was the busiest in the world, with about 40 flights daily and an average of 7,000 arrivals per day at Changi Airport,” he said.
Furthermore, the taskforce also updated the country’s public health assessment. Malaysia is now categorised as Category II beginning this 12th November, 2021.
They labelled the update a timely one as it sets the stage for Singapore to establish a VTL scheme with Malaysia.
Iswaran also reported Singapore currently allocates a daily quota of 4,000 travelers. All of which catering to arrivals from 13 countries with VTL arrangements thus far.
They will then increase the number to 6,000 travelers as it launches the VTLS with three other countries including Malaysia.
Iswaran was also asked if other travel arrangements with Malaysia are still in place. He explained the VTL is ‘an arrangement on top of all the existing arrangements’ that Singapore currently has in store.
The other arrangements included the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).
He also affirmed all travel arrangements specifically tailors to facilitate the bilateral quarantine free travel regardless of the purpose.
Therefore, it is in addition to all the existing arrangements.
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