GEORGE TOWN – Singapore’s temporary suspension of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) arrangement with Malaysia will not have much of an impact on businesses in Penang in the short term, said the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
FMM Penang chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong said Singapore has the right to suspend the RGL arrangement with Malaysia if there is a high risk of Covid-19 spreading farther.
The RGL is aimed at facilitating short-term essential business and official travel.
Ong said business activities between both countries can still go on even with the travel restrictions in place.
“Many meetings are conducted virtually and the parties need not be physically present on-site, with the exception of those who are involved in technical services.
“Besides, the RGL suspension is only for three months starting February 1, and will be reviewed by end of the suspension period,” he said.
On January 30, Singapore’s Foreign Ministry announced it would suspend RGL arrangements with Malaysia, Germany and South Korea.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor the global situation and adjust its border measures to manage the risk of the importation and transmission of Covid-19 infections in the community. – Bernama, February 14, 2021