AYER HITAM: The implementation of a travel corridor between Malaysia and Indonesia would be able to give many in the airline industry back their jobs, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said the travel corridor would be carried out carefully and systematically to ensure the safety of the people.

       "Our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Indonesian President Joko Widodo have come to an agreement (for a travel corridor) and this would be followed with flights made available between the two countries.

       "Previously, we have also announced opening up with Singapore (through the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore's Changi Airport and KL International Airport).

       "With this, those working in airports and the airline industry, including air stewardesses and pilots and even those working in logistics could soon get their jobs back. They have been looking forward to this.

       "We will open up carefully to protect the country as we are still facing Covid-19," he said.

       Dr Wee said this in a speech during the handing over ceremony of some 163 robes to imams from 32 mosques and 100 suraus in Ayer Hitam.

       On Wednesday (Oct 10), Malaysia and Indonesia had agreed to implement a travel corridor between the two countries through the Travel Corridor Arrangement or VTL arrangement, as both countries are recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the relevant ministers would refine the arrangements so that the border between the two countries, involving the Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur-Bali-Kuala Lumpur routes, could be opened.

       "A joint statement will be made to announce the opening of the border between Malaysia and Indonesia," he told a joint press conference on Wednesday with the Indonesian President at Istana Bogor, Indonesia.