PETALING JAYA: The newly-completed Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (DCFT) is hoped to create a new sea-borne Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore in the future, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said the VTL programme by land and air between Malaysia and Singapore will begin on Monday (Nov 29), so the next expansion of the VTL program will be by sea.

       “The ferry terminal building has been completed and the Immigration counter is expected to be operational next month,” he said in a Facebook post after visiting the newly completed DCFT on Sunday (Nov 28).

       He added that the DCFT is planned to bring tourists from Singapore and Indonesia to Malaysia via ferry.

       Dr Wee added that according to Desaru Ferry Sdn Bhd general manager Captain Sathasivam, they are in talks with ferry operators to apply from the Marine Department of Malaysia (JLM) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

       “The approval process is expected to take two to three months. The Transport Ministry is ready to assist the ferry operator to obtain approval from JLM and facilitate the company's dealings with the MPA if necessary,” said Dr Wee.

       “I hope VTL via ferry will become a reality in the near future,” he added.