Malaysia-Singapore to reopen border from Aug 10 under RGL, PCA schemes

Last updated on May 18th, 2021 at 05:59 am

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and Singapore are now in talks and expected to reopen borders for some residents and business travellers after almost five months shutdown.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and his Singapore counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan said in a joint statement that the reopening of borders will br through the implementation of Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) which is not only meant for essential business and official purposes but also for for business and work passes.

According to both Foreign Minister, this is meant to address the needs of different groups between countries. Cross-border travellers will have to abide by the Covid-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by Malaysia and Singapore including undergoing PCR swab tests.

The Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) will allow citizens of both countries with long term immigration passes to enter each respective countries for work. Atleast three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return back to their country for a short term leave and thereafter may re-enter again.

Hishammuddin and Balakrishnan said that it is in the interest of both countries to ensure smooth cross-border travel. Both government  agreed to publish the requirements, health protocols, and application process for entry and exit into Singapore and Malaysia 10 days before the implementation of RGL and PCA. Malaysia and Singapore also agreed to develop other appropriate schemes for the cross-border movement of people including daily cross-border while taking into account the required health protocols to ensure the safety of the of the Singaporean and Malaysian citizens.