‘Expand VTL-Air scheme’

PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians working in Singapore are clamouring for direct flights between Singapore and Penang, Sabah and Sarawak under the air Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL-Air) scheme as it saves them a lot of time and money.

Freight forwarding company executive Danelle Ong, 28, said should the VTL-Air for the Singapore-Penang sector receive the green light from Singapore, she will definitely save a lot of money.

“Currently, VTL-Air only applies when flying to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) from Changi Airport (and vice versa).

“Travellers would need to catch another flight from KLIA to Penang.

“This is risky as they would need to wait for their Covid-19 PCR test at KLIA and also go through Immigration. If you are lucky, you get to catch your connecting flight to Penang in time. If not, you will miss the flight and might need to buy another ticket.

“It is a waste of time and poses an additional risk if one has to stay in the airport for a long time to catch a flight to Penang,” said Ong, who tries to mitigate the risk by booking the connecting flight to Penang and vice versa on the next day.

“So, my expenses just for the e-hailing ride to the airport costs around RM140.

“My friend’s flight from KL to Penang got delayed twice, and he was stranded in KLIA for more than eight hours,” she said, adding that she would also be charged twice for luggage as she would need to take two different flights.

Assistant producer Fern Teh, 27, concurred with Ong.

“I have decided to fly straight to Penang instead of taking the Malaysia-Singapore VTL-Air flight as it is relatively cheaper.

“Since I went straight to Penang, I did not qualify for the VTL and had to observe home quarantine.

“I look forward to VTL-Air between Singapore and Penang being approved as I can then bypass KL on my way to Penang, saving a lot of time and money,” she said.

A Sarawakian who wishes to be known only as Wilson, 30, said he would be able to travel home more often if VTL-Air between Singapore and Sarawak is allowed.

“I have been working in the Lion City for more than five years, and I used to go home twice a year.

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have not been home since March 2020.

“Although we are allowed to travel to Malaysia now, the current VTL-Air arrangement means I must pass through KLIA on my way to Kuching.

“It is tedious and costs more,” said the computer scientist.

Sabahan Valerie Jalleh, 33, said she looks forward to VTL-Air being approved for her state so that she can meet her family.

“My parents are old and I have not seen them for about two years.

“It will save a lot of time and hassle if I can fly direct to Sabah,” she said.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the launch of a Penang-Singapore VTL would be a strong catalyst to drive tourist traffic from Singapore to Penang, which will inject new life into the state’s economic recovery.

“Penang is an important international gateway, so this would also benefit neighbouring states such as Perak, Perlis and Kedah.

“Launching a VTL does not only benefit tourism, but the entire chain of supply including accommodation, food and beverage, logistics, retail and transportation.

“Furthermore, implementing a VTL would enhance our resilience and preparedness for the future, allowing us to gain a competitive advantage against other destinations such as Phuket, which is among the major contenders for travel bubbles and VTLs,” he said.

Earlier, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong pointed out that any extension of the VTL-Air arrangement between Malaysia and Singapore to include Penang, Sabah and Sarawak had to be put on hold due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus.

He said as the VTL is a bilateral arrangement, any decision requires the agreement of both countries, even as Malaysia had done the necessary preparations on its side.

Dr Wee said the expanded VTL can be implemented only after obtaining the consent of the Health ministers of both Malaysia and Singapore.

He said if a VTL for Penang, Sabah and Sarawak gets the green light, then Malaysia and Singapore will set limits on the number of passengers and flights.

He added that discussions were held between Singapore and Malaysia “not long ago” as many Singaporeans and Malaysians move frequently between both countries.