Cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore expected in August

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein. MOHD SAHAR MISNI/The Star

JOHOR BARU — Cross-border travel under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) is expected to start on Aug 17 at the earliest.

This comes after Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein met with his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan at the Causeway here on Sunday (July 26).

The two ministers had a constructive discussion on the RGL and PCA, which will facilitate cross border travel for official, business and work purposes between Singapore and Malaysia.

Both Hishammuddin and Dr Vivian said that they are pleased to announce that Singapore and Malaysia have reached an agreement on all key aspects of the RGL and PCA and look forward to the launch of both schemes.

Hishammuddin said that applications can be submitted from Aug 10 but reminded eligible travelers – especially Malaysians – to follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) both Governments had agreed upon.

“We will make the announcement on the SOPs as soon as possible but I do hope that the public understands how important this matter is to the government,” said Hishammuddin.

“If this is successful, then we can conduct further discussions with Singapore to open cross-border travel for others as well as with other countries, ” he added.

He said this during a press conference held at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine after his meeting with Dr Vivian.

The RGL allows 400 Malaysians and Singaporeans to travel to and from the two countries every week, but this is restricted to official travel and important business matters.

The PCA allows some 2,000 Malaysians and Singaporeans with long-term work permits to cross the Tambak Johor and the Second Link (Link Kedua) every day.