JOHOR BARU: Larger crowds are returning to morning and night markets here with many having received their Covid-19 booster shots, it was revealed.

       South Johor Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Datuk Yow Boon Choon said there were significantly more visitors at its 6am and 11pm markets.

       This was compared to October when the mobile markets in Johor were allowed by the government to resume operations under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan.

       “After about two months of operations, the crowds have grown bigger,” he added.

       Yow said things were still developing slowly since the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border via the land and air Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) on Nov 29.

       He said this was because the main purpose of people returning was to reunite with their families.

       “Hopefully once the VTL-Land opens to all Malaysians and Singaporeans from Monday, the traders can enjoy better sales, with the Chinese New Year festive season starting next month,” he said.

       It was reported on Tuesday that the VTL-Land via bus would be open to all Malaysians and Singaporeans, including permanent resident holders, from Monday due to increased demand for travel.

       The International Trade and Industry Ministry said travellers were still required to be fully vaccinated while unvaccinated children below the age of 12 must be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

       Singapore-bound designated VTL-Land bus services will use Larkin Sentral Bus Terminal (Larkin Sentral) as the boarding and disembarkation point in Malaysia, whereas Queen Street Terminal and Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange as the boarding and disembarkation points in Singapore.