PONTIAN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) – The Johor government is targeting to vaccinate at least 100,000 Malaysians who hold a job in Singapore against Covid-19 as it hopes to reopen Malaysia’s border with the republic by May or June.
The vaccination will be done in stages under phase two of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, Johor Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad said at a press conference on Sunday (March 14).
He also said that the state government will work with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) to create a system to register the workers.
“We expect to roll out vaccinations for Malaysian workers during the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation programme.
“It is estimated that there are about 400,000 Malaysians who travel daily for work there.
“But for the early stage, Mosti has put aside vaccines for some 100,000 people first,” Datuk Hasni said.
He expects the federal government to dispatch additional Covid-19 vaccines to Johor soon as his government aims to reopen the border with Singapore by May or June.
The two borders between the two countries have been closed since March 18 last year.
Mr Hasni also said that the state government had sent its proposal to Putrajaya to open up a third category for cross-border travel with Singapore.
The first two categories are the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA), while the third is the Daily Commuting Arrangement (DCA).
Under the PCA, 2,000 Malaysians and Singaporeans with long-term work permit can cross the Causeway and the Second Link daily. The RGL allows 400 Malaysians and Singaporeans to travel between the two countries every week for official and business matters.
Malaysia and Singapore started the PCA and RGL on Aug 17 last year.
“As long as the two countries can agree on a common SOP and vaccination certificate, it will mean that Singaporeans who have been vaccinated can cross into Johor without needing to be quarantined.
“This also includes Malaysian who have been vaccinated there who want to return home,” he added.
Work Pass | Work Permit | S Pass | Employment Pass | Dependant Pass | Long Term Visit Pass | Letter Of Consent