JOHOR BARU: The Federal Government has been urged to push for the reopening of the borders between Johor and Singapore.

       Malaysian-Singapore Workers Task Force (Pemas) president S. Dayalan said that apart from solving the plight of thousands of Malaysian workers in the island republic, the border reopening would also help to revive the economy here.

       "We have heard of discussions being held between the two countries, but until now, there are still no signs of a strong commitment from the Federal Government to reopen the border.

       "We urge the government to push more vigorously for the reopening of the border, especially its two land borders here," he said in a press conference at Pemas office here on Friday (Sept 24).

       He said that the border was closed at the initial phase of Covid-19 when governments around the world were still trying to find ways to curb the spread of the disease.

       "It has been over one and a half years since the border closed and there are more data and research available now for us to know how to carefully allow border crossing.

       "People also have a better understanding of the disease and are well trained to follow standard operating procedures.

       "If people could take flights and cross state borders to travel to Langkawi for a vacation, why can't we not reopen the border between Johor and Singapore?" he said.

       Dayalan claimed that Singapore lacks commitment to reopen the border, since having some 250,000 Malaysian workers living on the island republic out of their own pocket was to the country’s benefit.

       "If they (the Malaysian workers) each spend at least S$1,500 (RM4,648) a month, that would bring the island republic S$4.5bil (RM14bil) a year for 250,000 people.

       "The money could have been spent here if they could travel home and help to revive our economy.

       "It is up to the Malaysian government to push for the border to reopen, as there may not be much urgency for Singapore," he claimed.

       He also lauded Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad's call for a Daily Commuting Arrangement (DCA) to be introduced at the Johor-Singapore border.

       On Thursday (Sept 23), Hasni said that Johor would be forwarding its proposal to Putrajaya in opening up the border with Singapore through the DCA.

       "We will send the proposed SOP for opening the border under DCA to the Special Committee on Pandemic Management," he said in a statement.