Malaysia discussing travel bubbles known as ‘green lanes’ with Singapore and Brunei
- Australia and New Zealand have also been approached, Malaysian official says, as governments explore ways to safely reopen borders after coronavirus lockdowns
- Malaysia has recorded a total of 8,600 confirmed coronavirus cases and 121 deaths. Singapore has more than 42,000 confirmed cases and 26 deaths
Malaysia is in talks with Singapore and Brunei to create “green lanes” for less restricted travel, as governments around the world seek to reopen their borders without a resurgence in coronavirus cases.
The country is discussing guidelines with its two neighbours and has approached Australia and New Zealand also, said the Ministry of Health’s Director General Noor Hisham Abdullah, who oversees Malaysia’s Covid-19 response.
Other countries with no new cases for 28 days would be considered, he said.
“This is in planning but we have not allowed any country yet,” Noor Hisham said. “It must be mutual, some issues must be ironed out by both countries before we can allow the green lane or green bubble.”
Malaysia’s Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced a partial reopening of the country’s borders last week, letting some foreign workers and medical tourists enter while allowing Malaysians to exit in an emergency or for work and study purposes.
Foreigners travelling from “green zone” countries Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand and Australia may not need to undergo 14-day home quarantine, though this would depend on any mutual agreement, Noor Hisham said.