Both govts are in discussions of expanding the air travel’s VTL to Penang and KK

by FAYYADH JAFFAR / pic by TMR FILE

THE sale of bus and airline tickets under the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore will be fully resumed with 100% seating capacity for both land and air travel, with immediate effect.

For air travel, the sale of tickets under VTL will be open with immediate effect for immediate travel, with both Malaysia and Singapore in advanced discussions on expanding the VTL (air) to Penang and Kota Kinabalu (KK).

In this regard, Transport Ministry together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd is still preparing the necessary Covid-19 screening facilities and other related facilities to make these new VTL initiatives a success.

As for land travel, the sale of bus tickets under VTL will resume with immediate effect but only for travel from Feb 22 onwards.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said, “The VTL initiative had successfully allowed more international travel, which helped to boost the tourism sector and contribute to economic revival. As of Feb 14, 2022, some 171,583 travellers from Singapore have benefitted from this initiative for both air and land options.”

He added that both governments hope the VTL will benefit the people and revitalise the economies of both nations.

“At the same time, we wish to remind all parties to remain compliant with the healthcare protocols and standard operating procedures that have been stipulated for a safer travel environment for all.

The VTL programme between both countries was previously suspended from Dec 23, 2021, until Jan 20, 2022, because of the rise in Omicron cases worldwide.

On Jan 21, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said the ticket quota sold starting Jan 21, 2022, will be reduced from the existing quota, which is a 50% reduction in bus and flight capacity.

“However, for passengers who have already purchased tickets for travel dates after Jan 20, 2022, before the announcement of the suspension of ticket sales is made, they are allowed to continue traveling using this initiative according to the quota that has been set previously,” he previously said.