BATU PAHAT – Malaysia is ready for an increase in the air and land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) quota, provided that Singapore agrees to such a move, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
He said the Malaysian government, through the Transport Ministry and International Trade and Industry Ministry, understands the needs of travellers, especially during festive seasons.
However, he added, for now, Malaysia accepts the decision set by Singapore, including a 50% reduction on the VTL quota following consultation with the relevant authorities, especially the health ministries of both countries.
“All decisions regarding the VTL are submitted to health agencies to determine whether the current capacity needs to be increased.
“There are thousands of requests and applications for VTL, we will try, but as a government, we will look at the need (to do so). It is not that we don’t want to fight (for it), but if there is a need then we will increase (the quota),” he said in a press conference after the launch of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) road safety programme at Dewan Muafakat Ayer Hitam near here today.
It was also attended by Miros director-general Datuk Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim and Road and Transport Department director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim.
Wee also reminded travellers to apply for permits so they can use this VTL initiative.
Yesterday, both Malaysia and Singapore allowed the resumption of ticket sales for land and air VTL, but with a 50% reduction in traveller quota.
Meanwhile, in Jeli, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the reopening of the international border provides relief to the economic sector, as it was made ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration.
“We welcome the decision to reopen the VTL between Malaysia and Singapore, which was suspended a month ago. This reopening will not only be able to improve the country’s economic sector, but also provide relief to the Chinese community who have family in both countries.
“We can see small and medium enterprise (SME) traders breathe again as we gradually open the country’s borders after implementing the full movement control order,” he said at a press conference after attending the Yayasan Pelajaran Mara’s CSR programme at the Dato’ Pa Bukit Bunga Service Centre here today. – Bernama, January 22, 2022
