Malaysia-Singapore border reopening needs comprehensive resolution - Ismail Sabri

The discussion on the reopening of the border between Malaysia and Singapore needs to be resolved comprehensively, taking into account all Malaysians traveling back and forth or staying in the republic, says Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the negotiations were still ongoing as of now, with a proposed standard operating procedure (SOP) only involving the business community.

"But the special (ministerial) committee is of the opinion that if this (border reopening) were to be resolved, it should be done comprehensively and not only for the business community. If possible, all three categories of Malaysians involved, in particular, the 250,000 Malaysians working in Singapore (who commute daily)," he said in a press conference here today.

The three categories referred to are the business community, Malaysians working and living in the republic for more than three months, and 250,000 Malaysians commuting daily to Singapore.

Ismail Sabri was asked to comment on the progress of the discussion between Malaysia and Singapore on the reopening of the border which was shut following the COVID-19 pandemic.