Waiting to reunite with families

EARLIER this month, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Malaysia is in discussions with Singapore about reopening the Malaysia-Singapore border since the number of Covid-19 cases is decreasing in both countries.

However, the discussions are not over because the final decision is subject to terms of reciprocity from both countries. The government will announce the effective date once the two countries come up with a “mutually agreed public health protocol to allow the safe resumption of cross-border movement” (“Anxious wait for Malaysians”, The Star, June 10; online at bit.ly/star_singapore).

Some Malaysian workers stuck in Singapore are anxious because they have been away from their families for too long. And those stuck in Malaysia, some on three months’ unpaid leave, need to get back to their jobs and start earning again to support their families. They also risk losing their jobs at companies affected by Covid-19 control measures while they are over here.

There are reportedly about 400,000 Malaysians living in Singapore, and an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 travelling between Johor Baru and Singapore every day.

We all hope that both Malaysia and Singapore will come to a final agreement soon on reopening the border.

To all Malaysian workers in Singapore, you are stronger than you think. You will come home soon and give your family a big hug when you do!