[Updated 26 July 2020]
Travelling has taken a back seat for Malaysia and Singapore travellers as the international borders continue to close while we persevere through the pandemic. After we shared the possibility of a Malaysia-Singapore travel bubble last May, the joint discussion between both governments has led to a piece of exciting news that could mean we're one step closer to leisure travel between Malaysia and Singapore!
While it was initially reported that cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to reopen to travellers for business and official purposes on 10 August 2020, the targetted date has been pushed back to 17 August 2020.
In an earlier statement made by Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, both governments will be implementing the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) that will allow Malaysian and Singaporean travellers to cross the borders for business and official purposes.
The outcome from their recent meeting on 26 July 2020 indicated that both governments have reached an agreement on all aspects of RGL and PCA, and will proceed with both schemes on 17 August 2020.
Cross-border travellers from Malaysia and Singapore must submit a controlled itinerary to the authorities of both countries and must adhere to it during their visit. These traveller groups must also follow the health measures implemented by both countries, which includes the requirement for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests.
The Star also reported that both Malaysia and Singapore governments would announce 'the requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore' 10 days before the scheduled implementation of RGL and PCA. However, Malaysia's Foreign Minister stated all applications can be submitted starting 10 August 2020.
While the discussion for leisure travel between Malaysia and Singapore has yet to take place, we hope this move will lead to travel confidence from both countries as we strive towards keeping the number of COVID-19 cases under control. As we wait patiently for further development of the Malaysia-Singapore travel bubble, read our Singaporean writer's heartfelt story about travelling to Malaysia.