MOH Suspends Malaysia-Singapore VTL Ticket Sales Due To Omicron Concerns
Ticket sales will be suspended effective 23 December 2021 to 20 January 2022.
By May Vin Ang — 22 Dec 2021, 03:28 PM
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has temporarily suspended sales of tickets for air and land travel under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme between Malaysia and Singapore
According to a statement today, 22 December, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said sales will be suspended effective 23 December 2021 to 20 January 2022 due to concerns regarding the spread of the Omicron variant in Singapore.
However, Khairy said those who have already bought their tickets during this period may proceed with their journey.
"Travellers who have already purchased tickets and fulfil the conditions for VTL air or land travel can go ahead with their journey under the special travel lane initiative," said Khairy.
On 20 December, the Singapore Ministry of Health issued a statement regarding a local COVID-19 cluster with three positive cases
Further tests showed two of them might have the Omicron variant while the result for the other case was still pending.
All three did not have any history of overseas travel.
As a result, Singapore's MOH has also announced the same suspension for all new ticket sales to Malaysia over the same period.
The sale of VTL tickets will resume on 21 January after risks regarding the COVID-19 situation in both countries are reassessed
"However, the ticket quota will be reduced from the existing quota," said Khairy.
"MOH urges all travellers to be responsible and follow the conditions and standard operating procedures outlined for the VTL," he said.
"Perform a COVID-19 self-test routinely to ensure your own safety and to reduce the risk of infecting others."
