Proposed Sabah-S'pore VTL should proceed with strict SOP, says trade group

KOTA KINABALU: The proposed vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between Singapore and Sabah should proceed with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place, says the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI).

KKCCCI president Datuk Michael Lui said allowing the VTL would definitely revive economic, trade and tourism relations between both Singapore and Sabah.

"All these years, we have had great relations in various fields with Singapore, and to have it continued would bring positive developments for both parties,” he said.

He said the suggestion by Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president Tan Sri TC Goh, to open up VTLs between Singapore, Sabah and even Sarawak, should be fully supported.

Last month, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said 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 Covid-19 Omicron variant.

He noted 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 also 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.

For a start, Liu suggested for the expanded VTL be restricted to those in trade and economic sectors.

Later, he said, the programme can be opened up further for travellers and others coming in and out of Sabah on social visits.

"I am sure from Singapore’s side, they will also impose some restrictions and guidelines for the introduction of VTLs between itself and Sabah when it happens,” he said.

Therefore, a VTL between Singapore and Sabah can be implemented carefully and in phases, he added.

"Of course, there cannot be compromise on SOP compliance amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” Lui said.