KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities is negotiating with 12 countries to implement the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL), says the Foreign Ministry.
In a written reply in Parliament, the ministry stated the countries have been chosen primarily based on diplomatic relations and the necessity for cross-border journey.
“As such, for the Asean area, the Malaysian authorities is negotiating with Brunei, (*12*), Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
“The different countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Korea and the United Kingdom,” the ministry stated in reply to a query by Larry Sng (PBM-Julau) concerning the record of countries included in the recommended growth of bilateral relations between Malaysia and overseas countries underneath the VTL cooperation.
The ministry stated there are three phases in the VTL negotiations – preliminary negotiations, complete negotiations and implementation phases.
Only Singapore is in the implementation part, with VTL-Air and VTL-Land being applied since Nov 29 final 12 months.
“The VTL that was beforehand suspended as a result of Omicron wave has resumed on Jan 21 with a decreased quota of ticket gross sales of half of the unique quota,” the ministry stated.
Meanwhile, complete negotiations with Brunei, (*12*) and Korea have been nonetheless ongoing.
Eight different countries that agreed to the implementation of the VTL – Australia, China, India, Jepun, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Vietnam and Thailand – are on the preliminary negotiations part.
“In conclusion, with the exception of VTL with Singapore, progress of negotiations over reopening of borders with the opposite recognized countries are reasonably gradual as a result of unfold of Omicron.
“Although every nation has adopted a cautious strategy, negotiations about focused reopening of borders in levels are nonetheless ongoing, and the Foreign Ministry will proceed to cooperate with all ministries and businesses to make sure the VTL coordination and negotiations could be applied,” the ministry stated. – Bernama
