by FAYYADH JAAFAR / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

MALAYSIAN and Singaporean authorities are debating the feasibility of creating a “vaccinated travel lane” that would enable Malaysian and Singaporean citizens to travel freely between the two countries.

According to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (picture), the two nations are now finalising the specifics and processes for implementing such a travel lane.

She said this is only a proposal between Malaysia and Singapore and has not been finalised.

Citing the success of the Langkawi travel bubble, she said the two nations are now considering the possibility of extending travel lanes to their citizens.

She stated that the travel lane will be established after the essential processes are in place and the necessary clearances have been received from the appropriate authorities.

“We notice that Singapore has a large number of relatives in Malaysia, particularly in Johor, and that Malaysians have a large number of family members in Singapore. We hope that we will not have to wait until Nov 15.”

“The preparation is already in place and all that is required is permission from both sides, but both parties have agreed to modify it in principle,” she told reporters during the launch of the Petron Jom Jalan Jalan campaign at Sunway Lagoon Resort.

The Petron Jom Jalan Jalan promotion runs for five months and awards 1,156 winners, including 56 fortunate customers who receive the top prize.

Petron has partnered with many local resorts and tourist providers, including Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort, Sunway Lost World of Tambun, and Camp Out! At Sunway Lagoon, Orchard Wellness Melaka, Glamz Genting, Sepilok Forest Edge, Culvert Santubong, and VIP Pass Holidays (M) Sdn Bhd, as well as Trevo, to develop holiday packages as prizes.

This is the campaign’s second season, which started last year. “These packages will provide them with the chance to participate in a variety of intriguing leisure activities, including theme park activities, batik drawing lessons, and interactions with orangutans,” Nancy said.

The awards, which include vacation packages with petrol sponsorship and spending money, will considerably help the country’s economic recovery via the economic activities of the participating villages. The victors will be chosen by region: North, East Coast, Central, South, Sabah and Sarawak, in order to guarantee that each area has its own champion.

“After being on extended lockdown during this pandemic, we are excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia and local tour operator partners to reward some of our customers with these amazing holiday packages to enjoy with their loved ones,” said Faridah Ali, GM of Petron Malaysia Refining and Marketing Bhd.

“This is also our way to show appreciation to our customers who have always been there with us, supporting us throughout the years,” she added.