SOP agreed on Malaysia-Singapore border reopening; awaiting approval

JOHOR BARU: The technical committee overseeing the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border has agreed to the standard operating procedures (SOP) proposal by the state government.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said that discussion with Singapore on the border reopening could start once senior ministers gave a green light.

"The technical committee has agreed to the SOP we suggested, and now we are waiting to get a nod from senior ministers," said Hasni

"The Health Ministry would decide on a date for the proposal to be presented to the senior ministers and once they accepted it, we could begin talks with Singapore," he added.

Hasni said this in a press conference after launching the Johor Tourism Interchange and opening ceremony of the Virtual Majestic Johor Week 2021 here on Monday (Oct 4).

Asked if the number of cases in Singapore would affect efforts to reopen the border, Hasni said that it would not.

"I don't see that (the increase in cases) as an obstacle in our efforts to discuss (border reopening)," he said.

"When the Reciprocal Green Lane was suspended or the Periodic Commuting Arrangement was not carried out, it was because we were waiting for more methods to deal with Covid-19," added Hasni.

He added that now, there are various vaccines for the disease and Singapore is also looking into getting a third jab for its citizens.

"I was also informed that each family in the island republic has been given self-test kits. With all these measures in place, I don't see there will be any problem for us to carry on with our discussions," said Hasni.

On Sept 23, Hasni said that Johor would be submitting its proposal to Putrajaya for the reopening of the border with Singapore through the Daily Commuting Arrangement.