JOHOR BARU: Johor has increased its capabilities to carry out between 10,000 and 30,000 Covid-19 tests per day, says Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad.
In a Facebook post, the Benut assemblyman said he attended the Economic Action Council (EAC) chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, via video conference on Monday (Oct 19).
“This meeting is held specifically to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic impact towards the state’s economy, ” he said.
Hasni said the state government appreciates the opportunity given in tabling its plan to open up the Johor-Singapore border, which would jumpstart the economy.
“In Johor, we are prepared in our ability to carry out between 10,000 and 30,000 screening tests for Covid-19 per day involving nine private labs recognised by the Health Ministry, ” he said.
During the last state assembly meeting held on Sept 19, Hasni said Johor can conduct more than 2,000 Covid-19 tests daily for those going to and from Singapore under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).
On July 26, both Malaysia and Singapore agreed to reopen the border on Aug 17 under the RGL and PCA.
The RGL enables cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes between Malaysia and Singapore, for up to a maximum of 400 people a week, and for stays up to two weeks.
On the other hand, the PCA allows residents of both countries who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter that country for work, up to a maximum of 2,000 people a day.
As of Oct 13, the number of travellers using the RGL scheme stands at 1,355 while for visitors using the PCA passes, it stands at 8,077.
