There's finally some good news.
In a joint statement by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and his Singaporean counterpart Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, both parties announced that a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) will be implemented to assist those who need to travel between both the countries.
Both myself and @VivianBala have just announced that Malaysia ?? and Singapore ?? will implement the Reciprocal Green Lane (#RGL) for the movement of essential business/official travellers and; Periodic Commuting Arrangement (#PCA) for cross-border travel between both countries. pic.twitter.com/udvRuV4Qf9
— Hishammuddin Hussein (@HishammuddinH2O) July 14, 2020
Beginning 10 August 2020, Malaysians working in Singapore and Singaporeans working here can go back home for a brief period.
"After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return to their home country for a short-term home leave, and thereafter re-enter their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months," the statement said.
There are rules and regulations that must be followed
There are rules and restrictions, of course, since the threat from COVID-19 is not over. Some of the rules are following prevailing COVID-19 prevention rules and submitting to Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests.
The full set of rules and regulations will be released about 10 days before the borders are opened to the selected public.
"This will give the opportunity for the relevant agencies of both Governments to continue their consultation to finalise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the two initiatives," the statement said.
Besides those who have long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes, people who need to travel between the countries for essential business and official purposes will also be allowed to cross the borders.
Both the countries are also in discussion over schemes that would allow residents of both counties to cross the borders on a daily basis as well as under other circumstances safely in the future.
Time to start planning your reunion with loved ones! But don't forget to follow the standard rules to keep yourselves safe from the coronavirus.