Initial land VTL phase will prioritise citizens and permanent residents
SINGAPORE: The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore and Malaysia will commence on November 29, but Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong has confirmed that travel numbers will initially be limited. In a statement on November 24, Gan revealed that the quota for the land VTL will be set between 1,400 and 1,500 travellers in each direction.
The first phase of the land VTL will only allow citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders of the countries to travel. This means that leisure trips, such as visits to Johor Bahru for a day, will not be permitted during this initial phase.
Gan noted that it would be unrealistic to return to pre-pandemic levels, where over 100,000 people crossed the Causeway daily. He stated that achieving this would take time, but he assured the public that the situation would be reviewed weekly. The aim is to gradually increase traveller capacity based on infection rates in both countries.
The minister also emphasised the importance of patience, especially for those eager to reunite with family and friends. He assured Singaporeans that as long as infection rates remain stable, the travel lanes would open progressively to accommodate more people, including non-citizens and non-permanent residents.
Gan concluded by urging citizens to be patient and reminded everyone that the reopening must be done safely and in stages.
