JOHOR BARU: Less than a week since its implementation, the Vaccinated Travel Lane for land crossing (VTL-Land) with Singapore has already brought positive effects.

       Johor Mentri Besar adviser Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said that since the VTL-Land came into effect, local businesses here could feel the difference.

       "Apart from reuniting families that have been apart for over a year, VTL-Land has also helped boost the economy here.

       "This includes taxi and e-hailing drivers, as well as small businesses and traders.

       "We hope the number of people coming will increase so that more people could benefit from this positive impact," he told reporters on Wednesday (Dec 1) when met at Larkin Sentral Bus and Public Transportation Terminal.

       Tee was waiting for his 26-year-old daughter with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

       His daughter Vivian Tee Hwee Wee, who works in Singapore, will be home for the first time after being away since May last year.

       "As a father, I understand the feelings of parents who have been separated from their children for so long.

       "Once she arrives, I will ask her what food she misses the most in Johor and take her there for dinner," he added.

       After waiting for over two hours at the bus terminal here, Siew Kiong and his family finally gets to hug his daughter.