JB MP urges MB to reconsider request to reopen Johor-Singapore border

CORONAVIRUS | Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasir has urged state Menteri Besar Hasni Mohammad to reconsider his request for special dispensation on the movement control order for certain groups of Malaysians who commute to Singapore.

Akmal in a statement said he had received various feedback from locals in the area, mostly raising concerns over Hasni's reported request.

"Can the state government guarantee that if the border is reopened, there will be no congestion at the causeway or Second Link, and ensure commuters practise social distancing?," said Akmal.

Social distancing is a move advocated to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infections and bring down several consecutive days of three-digit increase of new cases.

Rather than proposing for dispensation on the movement control order that is enforced until March 30, Akmal instead urged Hasni to focus on efforts to alleviate the burden of Johoreans, particularly those working in Singapore.

"Although Singapore has committed to facilitate Malaysians (from Johor but now in Singapore), there were reports of Malaysian workers forced to sleep in the rough at public areas.

"Secondly, for Malaysians working in Singapore but now in Johor, the state government must engage with the Singaporean government on their job security and the impact of their loss of income must be covered by the employers," he said.

Akmal said the Johor state government could also emulate steps taken by the Penang and Negeri Sembilan state governments to further reduce the people's burden.

"Penang has allocated RM20 million to assist small traders [...] and early payment of salaries for civil servants is implemented in Negeri Sembilan," he added.

Hasni yesterday reportedly said the request for dispensation was made for groups, including holders of work passes issued by Malaysia and Singapore, students, specialists, technicians and logistics workers.

He also announced that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had agreed to the setting up of a committee to discuss a mitigation plan for the movement of people and goods between the two countries.

The committee - jointly chaired by Hasni, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob and a representative from the Singapore Cabinet - will reportedly meet today and a decision will be announced afterwards. - Mkini