Although service operators no longer need to check vaccinations statuses, mask requirements are still mandatory for all travellers.

The reopening of land borders between Malaysia and Singapore on April 1 will allow for all classes of public road transportation to operate (almost) as normal after two very long years of Covid-19 restrictions.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong calls for all public transport operators in the country to go ahead and make early preparations in order to renew their Road Transport Department (JPJ), Land Public Transport Agency (SPAD) permits and licences both here and with the Singaporean authorities.

“However, preparations or the start of actual services will all depend on whether the operators are ready,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding that the public may obtain further details on the new requirements directly from transport operators themselves.

Wee also reminded all cross-border transport operators to readily comply with all existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) that now includes the preparation of QR codes in all operating vehicles.

Transport operators are advised to ensure that the proposed QR codes should be scanned by all passengers for contact tracing and tracking purposes. Additionally, in line with updated regulations, operators are no longer required to check vaccination statuses of passengers.

According to Wee however, passengers and travellers who refuse to comply with the still required mask mandate may be refused services. He reminds the public of their individual responsibilities to meet all stipulated travelling conditions such as ensuring all details on the MySejahtera app are updated and valid.

Failure to do so will result in facing compounds or penalties under existing SOPs and laws. Those travelling to Malaysia using private vehicles are reminded to register and obtain a foreign vehicle entry permit (VEP) via vep.jpj.gov.my.

“Vehicles that have successfully registered will be provided with RFID-VEP tags which are also equipped with the Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet application for the purpose of paying road charges and tolls.

“Besides that, all Singapore-registered private cars are also required to pay a road charge (RM20 per entry) when entering Malaysia (via the entrances at Sultan Iskandar Building, Johor Bahru, and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex in Tanjung Kupang, Johor Bahru).” [Editor’s note: Reports have surfaced that this charge will be waived from April 1 to April 7.]

All private Singapore-registered vehicle owners need to ensure their Touch ‘n Go cards are valid with a sufficient balance in their e-Wallet in order to ease traffic congestion when entering Malaysia.

“MOT (Ministry of Transport) hopes that the reopening of the Malaysia-Singapore border will not only boost economic growth of both countries, but also strengthen family ties and friendship [between] Malaysians and Singaporeans,” Wee added.