M'sians working in Singapore may soon be able to commute from JB: M'sian Minister

PUTRAJAYA — Malaysians working in Singapore may soon be allowed to resume commuting to and from Johor Baru.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this follows Singapore's decision to reopen its economy following a weeks-long lockdown.

"There were suggestions to allow those working in Singapore to commute between the country and Johor Baru, provided they download the MySejahtera app (aimed at managing the Covid-19 pandemic in the country).

"Currently, they are unable to do so due to the border closure and the 14-day mandatory quarantine requirement for those returning to Malaysia.

"However, as Singapore's economic sector has reopened, a special ministerial meeting has agreed to allow this, and we are ready for them (Malaysians) to undergo Covid-19 screening and tests.

"We are grateful to the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation as well as Temasek and Thomson Medical Group, which have agreed to provide two mobile labs and Covid-19 test kits," he told a press conference on Monday (June 8).

Mr Ismail Sabri said, however, that the implementation of the move will take place only after discussions between Foreign Ministry secretary-general M. Shahrul Ikram Yaakob and his Singaporean counterpart.

He also encouraged Malaysians to download the MySejahtera app which allows the Health Ministry to take swift action in identifying close contacts whenever new Covid-19 cases are reported.

"They can use the app whenever they enter any premises by scanning the QR code, instead of writing their names (as a requirement to enter) as many people have refused to do so," Mr Ismail Sabri added.

In addition, he said those who have downloaded the app will have RM50 (S$16.30) credited to their e-wallet, as announced by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. NEW STRAITS TIMES