After years of intense deliberation, it may finally be happening again.
So lest you’re unaware, Singapore and Malaysia enjoyed a very harmonious relationship in pre-COVID times.
Singaporeans would head across the causeway every weekend for shopping and leisure purposes, and Malaysians working in Singapore would be able to see their families back home.
Meanwhile, businesses in Malaysia also prospered because of the said Singaporeans.
But it all came to a grinding halt when the pandemic occurred. Since then, for the safety of both nations, the borders have been shut close.
Much to the chagrin of both nations.
And though discussions have been held over a possible re-opening, they ultimately faltered due to rising cases on either end.
As such, we were left to rue what could have been.
M’sia Foreign Minister: S’pore & M’sia Discussing Reopening of Borders
But it may all change now.
On 23 September 2021, Malaysia’s foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah announced that Singapore and Malaysia will be holding border talks soon.
This comes after concerns from separated Malaysian families. Ever since the borders closed on 18 March 2020, Singapore-based Malaysians have been unable to go back home.
With current measures, one would have to face a quarantine period of 28 days in total, 14 on either side.
Apart from exorbitant costs, the duration could also affect other aspects involved.
The issue has since led to mental problems for some, with certain parties eventually turning to divorce.
An online petition was also started to ease measures for fully vaccinated Malaysians returning from Singapore.
It has since garnered over 17.6K signatures.
With all those in mind, Saifuddin expressed that the matter has been referred to Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysia’s Senior Defence Minister and committee member of Malaysia’s COVID-19 National Recovery Plan.
Malaysia’s health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has also since held a conversation with Singapore’s health minister Ong Ye Kung over the phone.
“I was also informed that the Health Minister was in a telephone conversation with his Singaporean counterpart on how borders can be reopened between the two countries,” Saifuddin said.
“I pray and hope that the matter can be resolved as soon as possible.”
Vaccination Rates
Thus far, the vaccination rate in Johor is at 73.3%.
1.98 million adults have completed both doses of vaccines.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s vaccination rate has passed the 80% mark.
Seniors aged 60 and above have also been invited to undertake a third dose: a booster jab.
Understand the importance of vaccination here:
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Featured Image: Patrick Foto / Shutterstock.com
