JOHOR BARU: The state government is hopeful that a land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) can be opened on the same day that Malaysians and Singaporeans are allowed to fly between two countries quarantine-free.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad (pic) said the use of public transport would be suitable to ferry between 300 and 500 passengers between the two countries under a land VTL.

       He said the matter was brought up during a meeting with the Federal Government last week.

       “Following the announcement of an air VTL between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Changi Airport, the state government has voiced out our intention for a land VTL.

       “We are hoping that the land VTL will be carried out simultaneously with the air VTL, which begins on Nov 29,” he said.

       Asked if it is possible to have a land VTL on the same day, Hasni said: “I hope so.”

       On Monday, Malaysia and Singapore announced that they would reopen their borders with the VTL between KLIA and Changi Airport from Nov 29.

       Under the VTL, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to travel between both countries, subject to a Covid-19 test in lieu of serving a quarantine or Stay-Home Notice.

       Hasni was talking to reporters during a town hall session and the Ihsan Johor Economic Stimulus Package (PRE 3.0) appreciation ceremony here on Wednesday.

       The state government, he said, is prepared to give its full cooperation to ensure the smooth opening of the land border with Singapore.

       “We’ve suggested that public transportation such as buses be used for the land VTL as this can be done in a controlled manner, allowing for travel between both sides according to a set time.

       “Maybe the number of allowed travellers will not be big. We are hoping for between 300 and 500 per day but it’s a good start to fully reopen the borders,” he added.

       The state government, said Hasni, had also suggested to their federal counterparts to build another Business Travelling Centre (BTC) at the Causeway.

       There is already such a centre, which is currently being built at the Second Link.

       Involving a cost of RM10mil, the BTC at the Second Link is to allow for Covid-19 tests to be carried out as well as provide a rest area for travellers.

       To allow more people to cross the border between the two countries, the state government, said Hasni, is prepared to fund half of the construction costs for another BTC at the Causeway.

       “We have appealed to the Immigration Department to allow the BTC to be operational 24 hours a day to allow more people to travel between Johor and Singapore,” he said.

       Hasni said the state government is hopeful that their suggestions would be considered by both countries as these would help revive the economy, particularly that of Johor, at a faster rate.

       He said he does not see any major obstacle considering the good relationship enjoyed by Malaysia and Singapore, adding that the island republic had handed over RM42mil in medical equipment to Johor to help manage Covid-19 cases.