Despite the current lockdown, Malaysia may allow its citizens commuting to Singapore for work to cross the border, on the condition that accommodation will be provided for them.
In negotiations with S'pore
Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced a national lockdown on Mar. 16, which started since yesterday (Mar. 18), as a Covid-19 containment measure.
Malaysians are not allowed to leave the country during the lockdown.
However, Malaysian defence minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also the senior minister coordinating security matters, shared during a live telecast that they were discussing with Singapore to allow Malaysians who commute to Singapore for work to continue working in Singapore during the lockdown.
According to New Straits Times, he suggested for the 300,000-odd Malaysians to be provided with accommodation in Singapore if they were to stay in the country to work.
"We are negotiating and we have suggested that the 300,000 are allowed to continue working in Singapore on condition Singapore prepares lodgings for them," said Ismail.
"This matter is under discussion. God willing, we will make an announcement soon."
M'sians flood into S'pore via causeway after lockdown announced
After the announcement of the lockdown on Monday night (Mar. 16), many Malaysians poured through the causeway, trying to enter Singapore before the lockdown was in place on Mar. 18 midnight.
On the first day of the lockdown, the Johor state government shared a statement saying that it hoped to reopen borders with Singapore within the next few days.
After the lockdown was imposed, several stranded Malaysian workers in Singapore were found sleeping at Kranji MRT station, after being left without alternative arrangements.
Related stories:
Top image via Eric Teoh/FB, Nigel Chua