PUTRAJAYA – Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued an official statement through social media platforms to announce that the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore will be temporarily suspended from tomorrow (23 Dec) to 20 Jan 2022.
Since 29 Nov 2021, Malaysia and Singapore have opened their borders for vaccinated individuals to travel back and forth via VTL.
Many families were able to reunite thanks to the initiative. We’ve reported some touching reunion stories contributed by this policy.
Unfortunately, due to a minor outbreak of Omnicron cases in Singapore, the government has decided to put VLT on hold.
According to Reuters, Singapore’s MOH detected 71 Omnicron cases, 65 imported and six local cases. Two suspected cases were linked to a gym, the ministry reported on Monday (20 Dec).
To prevent more outbreaks, they have announced to freeze flight and bus tickets for VLT from 23 Dec 2021 to 20 Jan 2022.
Fortunately, travellers who purchased their tickets beforehand and meet other criteria of the VLT are still able to travel within this time period.
The Malaysian government has also responded similarly to the issue, halting VLT.
“The VLT will reopen on 21 Jan 2022 after reviewing COVID-19 risk assessment for both countries. However, the ticket quota will be reduced,” wrote Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin.
You can read the statement here.
Cover image via The Star & The Straits Times
Editor: Grace Choong
