Malaysian lorry drivers laud Singapore’s move to provide Covid-19 vaccination

Lorries lining up to enter Singapore from the Causeway in Johor Baru.

LORRY drivers in Johor Baru are lauding the Singapore government’s move to offer Covid-19 vaccine to them and their assistants who enter the island republic frequently.

The move, they said, was timely and could help reduce congestion at the two land crossings between both countries.

Lorry driver M. Sarawana, 49, said the move would help them make delivery of essential goods to Singapore smoother and safer.

“We are still waiting for more details on the vaccination process and hope the plan will be put in motion soon.

“Getting the vaccine early would make it much easier for us to travel between the two countries as we need not continue taking Covid-19 test every time we enter Singapore, ” he said.

Sarawana, who has 20 years experience as a lorry driver, hoped to be among the selected ones to receive the vaccination.

“I hope to be among those getting the vaccine for free, but if we have to pay I wouldn’t mind forking out the money if it will allow me to get it earlier for both my safety and those around me, ” he said.

Last Monday, Singapore’s Health Ministry announced that Covid-19 vaccinations would be offered later this month to selected drivers and accompanying personnel who entered Singapore from Malaysia on a regular basis to deliver essential goods.

S. Sugunthan, 27, said the move could ease the minds of those who have to travel back and forth between the two countries.

“It is a good initiative and I was relieved when I heard the announcement.

“I hope those who have been vaccinated would not have to take the Covid-19 test each time we enter, ” he said, adding that this would save them at least 20 minutes.

Johor Trucking Association Novan Hing said it was a much welcomed initiative from the Singapore government.

“It was definitely a good move. I believe the Covid-19 Antigen Reactive Test (ART) will still be put in place at the border as not all of the drivers will be vaccinated.

“There is a huge number of lorry drivers entering Singapore frequently to deliver essential goods, and it depends on the island republic to decide who gets the vaccine, ” he said.