Malaysia prepares for post-COVID-19 travel as land VTL with Singapore nears launch
SINGAPORE: Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Nancy Shukri, announced that land routes between Malaysia and Singapore, via the Johor Causeway and Second Link, will reopen in May alongside the country’s broader lifting of COVID-19 border controls. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob is set to officially announce the reopening, which will also restore international tourism and regular flights. The move is especially significant for Malaysians wishing to reunite with family for Aidilfitri in May.
Shukri emphasized that the reopening will greatly benefit Malaysia’s struggling tourism sector, particularly with an expected influx of Singaporean visitors. She confirmed that the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry is prepared to welcome international tourists and support the revival of the industry, which has been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
In February, Sabri expressed confidence that Malaysia could establish a land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) with Singapore by May. He noted that while air VTLs are easier to manage, land routes present logistical challenges such as preventing long queues during screening. The Health Ministry is currently exploring solutions with neighboring countries, including Thailand and Brunei, to ensure the VTL can be implemented smoothly by Hari Raya.
Johor Worst Hit
Former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin highlighted that Johor was the most affected by COVID-19 lockdowns, particularly due to the border closure with Singapore. This situation has impacted approximately 300,000 Johor residents who depend on jobs in Singapore. He emphasized the need to reopen the border to restore livelihoods and projected that the country could gain RM80 billion from international tourism once borders reopen.
Air VTL
As part of the broader reopening plan, the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) by air between Malaysia and Singapore will expand to include the Penang-Singapore route starting on March 16. Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong confirmed the agreement between both governments, allowing fully vaccinated travelers to fly without the need for quarantine. The Penang-Singapore VTL will begin with four daily flights split between Malaysian and Singaporean airlines. Tickets will go on sale soon.
The reopening of both land and air routes is expected to provide a significant boost to Malaysia’s tourism industry as the country looks forward to welcoming millions of international visitors.
