Singapore, Malaysia Agree on Key Points of Green Lane Travel

(Bloomberg) -- Singapore and Malaysia said they’ve agreed on key aspects of green lane travel as the two countries move a step closer to reopening one of the world’s busiest border crossings.

The talks on the so-called Reciprocal Green Lane and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement will facilitate travel for official, business and work purposes, according to a joint statement by the two foreign ministries after their ministers met Sunday. The governments will have further discussions on restoring travel for other groups, they said.

“It will be for a limited group of people for now, and done in a controlled manner,” Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, said in a Facebook post. “I seek the understanding and patience of Singaporeans that we are some time away from full and open travel, even to Malaysia.”

Applications by eligible travelers can be submitted by Aug. 10, and they have to abide by public health measures in both countries. Operational details will be published soon.

Border lockdowns were imposed in March. About 300,000 people travel by land each day between the two nations, which are trying to safely reopen their economies that have been disrupted by the pandemic. Besides the crossings via bridges, a one-hour flight between Singapore and Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is the world’s second-busiest international route measured by seat capacity, according to OAG Aviation Worldwide Ltd.

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