JOHOR is looking at re-opening its border with Singapore, with health screenings on both sides, despite Putrajaya’s Covid-19 movement control order that bans all Malaysians from leaving the country.

The plan is part of a mitigation effort the state government is developing for those studying and working in Singapore, The Star reported Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad as saying.

“Among the categories exempted are those with work passes by Malaysia or Singapore, students studying in Singapore, those with specialised skills, businessmen, those involved in logistics and others that would be announced soon, “ he was quoted as saying at a press conference in Kota Iskandar today.

He will head a special committee that includes the state security council on the matter.

Talks will also be held with Singapore before the final plan is brought to Putrajaya for approval.

Malaysia’s 14-day movement control order started today.

It bans citizens from leaving the country and those returning to undergo quarantine, while foreigners except diplomats, expatriates, permanent residents and workers in essential services from entering the country.

The order was announced on Monday night and was followed by a mad scramble by thousands of Malaysians who work in Singapore at the Causeway checkpoint last night as they tried to cross the border before the control order began at midnight.

Singapore yesterday announced that it would help provide accommodation for Malaysians working in the city-state, where many services are highly dependent on Malaysian labour.

There are an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 Malaysians working in Singapore. – March 18, 2020.