SINGAPORE – Malaysia and Singapore today agreed on the entry requirements and procedures for death and critically ill emergency visits between both countries amid stricter border measures.
The arrangement will be implemented from May 17 onwards, according to a joint statement by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and his Singapore counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan.
“This agreement provides a framework to facilitate travel between the two countries for compassionate and emergency reasons.”
Details will be released by the respective authorities of each country.
Hishammuddin arrived here yesterday for a two-day working visit at the invitation of Balakrishnan to reciprocate the latter’s recent working visit to Malaysia.
It is Hishammuddin’s first working visit to Singapore as foreign minister.
According to the statement, the ministers expressed satisfaction that despite the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral relations and cooperation remain intact and strong, as demonstrated by the uninterrupted movement of goods between both countries.
It said the ministers had constructive discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation amidst the pandemic.
They have agreed to work towards the resumption of essential cross-border travel in a gradual and safe manner, it added.
It also said the ministers have agreed to continue discussions on further border reopening measures, which should be premised on the Covid-19 situation in both countries, and the health and safety of both peoples.
They welcomed the resumption of in-person official exchanges between the two sides, following Balakrishnan’s visit to Kuala Lumpur in March and Hishammuddin’s current visit to Singapore. – Bernama, May 2, 2021
