An air traffic bubble could be established between Singapore and Malaysia in the next months.
Malaysian Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong hopes Malaysia can establish an air traffic bubble with Singapore and other bilateral partners soon.
Minister Wee met with Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon on Tuesday and discussed an air traffic bubble, among other issues.
Minister Wee said that the closely-linked business communities in both Singapore and Malaysia urgently need to be able to commute back and forth soon, with stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place.
Singapore and Malaysia’s health authorities “will be speaking soon to iron out the agreements on the SOPs and move forward”, he added in a Facebook post on Tuesday night.
These issues need to be addressed in order for Singapore and Malaysia to “continue its people-to-people exchanges as soon as possible” despite the ongoing pandemic, said Minister Wee. “We hope to announce an air traffic bubble soon with Singapore and other bilateral partners.”
During the courtesy call by Minister Menon, both sides also updated each other on the ongoing discussions for the Malaysia-Singapore High-Speed Rail project, which has a deadline of Dec 31 to sign the bilateral agreement.
“The successful signing of the Johor Bahru-Woodlands RTS Link agreement on July 30 reflects a mutual commitment,” Minister Wee added.
Singapore’s air traffic bubble with other countries
Since September 1, Singapore relaxed its measures and has allowed general travel to Brunei and New Zealand, including students studying abroad.
In addition to this, Since September 4, a fast-lane started between Singapore and South Korea. This has allowed essential business and official travel between the two countries.
It also has helped restore connectivity and support economic recovery. All the necessary public health safeguards have been taken.
Eligible travelers will have to abide by the mutually agreed terms and prevailing public health measures in both countries.