From April 1, buses, taxis and shuttles can cross Malaysia-Singapore border freely

PETALING JAYA: All forms of land transport between Malaysia and Singapore are set to resume when the two countries reopen their borders on Friday.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said they include stage buses, express buses, tourist buses, employee shuttles and taxis.

“Beginning April 1, both countries will allow all travellers who have been fully vaccinated to cross the land border without having to undergo quarantine or perform Covid-19 tests, including pre-departure and on-arrival tests.

“This permission applies to all categories of travellers, and all types of land transport.

“Therefore, all public transportation operators in the relevant countries can start making preparations towards restarting their operations, including renewing all relevant permits or licences, either with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) or with the authorities in Singapore,” said Dr Wee in a statement yesterday.

Currently, the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) bus services between Malaysia and Singapore operate on a daily quota.

However, Dr Wee said the full resumption of the cross-border transportation service is still subject to the operational readiness of the operators involved.

“The public can check with the relevant operators on the operational status of cross-border services that will be provided,” said the minister, who also reminded all operators of cross-border public transportation to adhere to the existing Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) such as ensuring all passengers do a QR code check-in or refusing those who snub face masks.

“Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they have the MySejahtera app on their smartphones, and that they meet the pre-determined travel conditions.

“Failure to do so will result in action being taken against the traveller, including fines and penalties, under existing laws,” said Dr Wee.

For those travelling in private cars into Malaysia, Dr Wee said they must remember to register and obtain their foreign vehicles entry permit (VEP) from https://vep.jpj.gov.my/.

Vehicles that are registered will be provided with a RFID-VEP tag which will be equipped with the Touch ‘n’ Go e-wallet app for the purpose of paying the Malaysian road charge and tolls.

All Singapore-registered private cars are required to pay a road charge of RM20 per entry upon arrival in Malaysia via both land checkpoints.

However, in view of the two-year closure of the border recently, Malaysia is offering a grace period of seven days for drivers of Singapore-registered cars to top up their Touch ‘n’ Go cards.

“Some cards have also expired. Thus, following discussions with Johor Mentri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, I have agreed to suspend the enforcement of the road charge until April 7, with the aim of curbing congestion at the land checkpoints due to expired cards or inadequate balance in the cards,” said Dr Wee in another statement.

“This grace period should be used by travellers to rectify the above, including installing the RFID stickers for VEP on their vehicles. During this period, vehicles with active RFID stickers will also be exempted from paying the road charge.

“The Transport Ministry hopes the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border will not only spur the economic growth of both countries, but also strengthen our family ties and friendship,” added Dr Wee.