Singaporean man can visit ailing wife in JB, says minister

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob sees no issue for a Singaporean man to visit his ailing Malaysian wife in Johor Bahru even if he does not hold a spouse visa.

Ismail (above) advised CA Mahendran to submit his wife's medical report to the Immigration Department when he applies to enter Malaysia.

"For those who hold a spouse visa, they can straightaway enter Malaysia.

"For those without one, they can still apply with the Immigration Department over the death or sickness (of their spouse). They can present a copy of evidence from the hospital that their spouse is sick, being treated, or is in critical condition," Ismail said at a press conference today.

"God willing, immigration will allow (him to visit his wife)," he said, adding that, "I feel there is no issue related to our citizens in Singapore or their Singaporean spouses to return to Malaysia because of a death or illness."

The senior minister in charge of security was responding to a Malaysiakini report of a 58-year-old IT engineer who was not allowed to visit his 51-year-old wife suffering from diabetes and ulcers on the soles of her feet.

A Kavitha (above, left) needs medical attention but has trouble walking and lives alone in their apartment in Johor Bahru.

The couple has been separated for the past three months after both countries sealed their borders amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite a June 22 announcement that foreign spouses would be allowed entry once they obtained “approval” from the Immigration Department, Mahendran was dismayed that his numerous applications for permission were overlooked.

He claimed to have sent the department at least “10 emails”.

“Ismail said spouses could crossover (to Malaysia), but there is no direct avenue on how to go about it.

“I don’t know how to apply for it. I tried to ask, but no one has helped me. I have emailed, (but) there was no reply,” Mahendran said.

In the press conference, Ismail did not address in detail the problem faced by the couple. 

- Mkini