SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore is at the moment in discussions with Malaysia on increasing the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) land association for private vehicles and coaches, says Gan Kim Yong, the co-chair of the island republic’s Multi Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Covid-19.
At current no private vehicles are allowed to journey over land between the 2 nations aside from public buses.
“… when we are ready we will make the necessary and appropriate announcement,” mentioned Gan who can be the Trade and Industry Minister, at a digital press convention right here Wednesday (Feb 16).
The MTF was requested when private vehicles could be allowed into each nations.
Meanwhile, Minister for Transport S. Iswaran mentioned Singapore would deepen and lengthen VTLs with Asean neighbours together with Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
“We are in advanced discussions to expand the VTLs to Penang and Kota Kinabalu. We look forward to launching these soon,” he mentioned on the similar press convention.
Singapore had commenced the VTL by air and land with Malaysia from Nov 29 final yr however on a restricted scale.
Singapore will even streamline its border measures for the VTL that might see, amongst others, Long-Term Pass Holders not having to apply for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP) or an Entry Approval to enter Singapore, from Feb 22.
Others embody journey historical past requirement can be diminished from 14 to seven days; the seven-Day enhanced testing protocol can be ceased; and VTL travellers will not want to carry out an on-arrival Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) take a look at.
Meanwhile, the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) length can be standardised to seven days throughout all nation/area threat classes in view of Omicron’s shorter incubation interval.
To facilitate vaccinated journey, the republic will restore and progressively improve VTL quotas.
The air VTL quotas can be absolutely restored with rapid impact whereas the land quotas can be absolutely restored from Feb 22.
The sale of bus and flight tickets for the land and air VTL was briefly suspended final Dec 23, and resumed on Jan 21.
However, the quota for the bus and flight tickets had been diminished by 50% from the prevailing capability for land and air routes. – Bernama
