MALAYSIA is ready for an increase in the air and land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) quota, provided that Singapore agrees to such a move, Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong said.

He said the Malaysian government understands the needs of travellers, especially during festive seasons.

However, he said for now, Malaysia accepts the decision set by Singapore, including a 50% reduction of the VTL quota after it was made following consultation with the relevant authorities, especially the health ministries of both countries.

“All decisions regarding VTL are submitted to the health agencies to determine whether the current capacity needs to be increased or vice versa,” he said at a press conference after the launch of Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research’s (Miros) Road Safety programme at Dewan Muafakat Ayer Hitam, near Batu Pahat, today.

“There are thousands of requests and applications for VTL. We will try, but as a government, we will see the need… not that we don’t want to fight (for it) but if there is a need, then we will increase.”

It was also attended by Miros director-general Dr Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim and Road Transport Department director-general Zailani Hashim.

He also reminded travellers to apply for permits so that they can use this VTL initiative.

Yesterday, both Malaysia and Singapore allowed the resumption of ticket sales for land and air VTL, but with a 50% reduction from what it was before.

Meanwhile, in Jeli, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Mustapa Mohamed said the reopening of the international border provides relief to the economic sector as it was made ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration.

“We welcome the decision to reopen VTL Malaysia and Singapore, which was suspended a month ago. This reopening will not only improve the country’s economic sector but also provide relief to the Chinese community who have family ties in both countries,” he said at a press conference after attending the Yayasan Pelajaran Mara’s corporate social responsibility programme at the Dato’ Pa Bukit Bunga Service Centre. – Bernama, January 22, 2022.