MITI: Malaysia-Singapore land VTL to be extended to citizens of both countries from Dec 20

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 14 -- The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has announced that all categories of travellers who are Malaysian and Singapore citizens will be able to enter Singapore and Malaysia, respectively, via the land vaccinated travel lane (VTL-Land) effective Dec 20, 2021, due to increased public demand.

Holders of Malaysian Permanent Resident status can continue to enter Malaysia via the VTL (Land). Previously, only citizens, permanent residents, and long-term pass holders of the country were able to travel via the land VTL.

However, travellers are still required to be fully vaccinated and unvaccinated children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by vaccinated parents or guardians.

“Eligible travellers will be subjected to COVID-19 testing and further health requirements determined by the respective country.

“The VTL-Land will still be limited to bus transportation and designated bus operators will offer tickets to meet the increased demand and subject to the prevailing public health situation,” MITI said in a statement here, today.

Prior to any ticket purchase, VTL travellers going to Malaysia are required to register at https://mysafetravel.gov.my, whereas travellers from Malaysia to Singapore are required to register at https://go.gov.sg/vtl-portal.

Further details pertaining to the VTL-Land requirements can be found at https://www.miti.gov.my and https://www.safetravel.ica.gov.sg.

In a separate statement, the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said “there will be no change to the current test protocols in Singapore and Malaysia”.

The ministry noted that all travellers entering Singapore will have to abide by the prevailing test protocols and safe management measures, which include the post-arrival 7-day COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test regime.

The launch of the Vaccinated VTL-Land between Malaysia and Singapore on Nov 29, 2021, is to facilitate quarantine-free, seamless cross-border movement by integrating health protocol, security and immigration clearance.

This initiative allowed those separated from their loved ones due to the pandemic to travel home and reunite with their families.

True to its purpose of providing opportunities for both countries to reopen the land border in a gradual, safe, systematic and sustainable manner; necessary health measures are implemented and imposed on travellers between Malaysia and Singapore.

-- BERNAMA