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Use ‘odd and even number’ system for vehicles in opening up land borders with Malaysia

Singapore is currently in talks with Malaysia to allow vaccinated travellers to cross the land borders between both countries via other transport modes, beyond the current use of designated buses under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land) scheme.

“Cars with licence plates ending in odd numbers could be allowed to drive into Malaysia on odd-numbered dates, while the same could be allowed for cars with licence plates ending in even numbers on even-numbered dates,” this TODAY reader suggests.

“Cars with licence plates ending in odd numbers could be allowed to drive into Malaysia on odd-numbered dates, while the same could be allowed for cars with licence plates ending in even numbers on even-numbered dates,” this TODAY reader suggests.

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Singapore is currently in talks with Malaysia to allow vaccinated travellers to cross the land borders between both countries via other transport modes, beyond the current use of designated buses under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (Land) scheme.

As such, it is timely to consider measures for managing traveller numbers in a way that will impose minimal burdens on checkpoint authorities and travellers.

One way could be to use an "odd and even number" system to restrict vehicles passing through the two land checkpoints at the Woodlands Causeway and the Second Link at Tuas according to the last number on their licence plates.

Cars with licence plates ending in odd numbers could be allowed to drive into Malaysia on odd-numbered dates, while the same could be allowed for cars with licence plates ending in even numbers on even-numbered dates.

A hefty fee, for instance S$500, could be imposed on drivers who insist on crossing the border outside of their allotted dates.

Conversely, imposing a fixed quota will almost definitely require travellers to apply for a slot beforehand, which will require additional government resources and inconvenience travellers further.

There will also be no-shows who will deprive others of a chance to travel. A simple odd and even number check imposed at the checkpoints would avoid such problems, without too much trouble for checkpoint authorities.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

Related topics

Malaysia VTL travel Woodlands Causeway

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