Missing your cheap food, massage, petrol, and more importantly, your loved ones? After a long two years wait, fully vaccinated travellers can finally enter Malaysia in the comfort of their cars and motorcycles via the Causeway and Second Link. With all the pent up excitement, you are probably rushing to join the queue at the causeway. But before you hop onto your car or motorcycle and make your way there, here is everything you need to know about travelling to Malaysia via land under the Vaccinated Travel Framework. From the MySejahtera mobile application, to tips and tricks to save money, we have it all covered!
What You Will Need Before Entering Malaysia
It was certainly not an April Fools’ joke that the Singapore-Malaysia border was reopening on 1 April 2022. With queues forming at the checkpoints from 10pm on 31 March, many were eager to finally meet their loved ones, and have their favourite cheap food as well as affordable shopping.
While finally being able to travel to Malaysia is exciting, here is what you will need to do and have on hand to enter Malaysia.
Upload Your Vaccination Status
From 1 April 2022, fully vaccinated travellers and non-vaccinated travellers aged 12 and below will not be required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests as well as on-arrival quarantine and Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
To help you understand the definition of fully vaccinated in Malaysia, we have included a list of acceptable vaccines and doses to enter Malaysia.
| Type of Vaccine | Number of Doses | 18 – 59 years | 60 Years and Above |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinovax Sinopharm | 2 | Partially vaccinated | Partially vaccinated |
| 3 | Fully vaccinated | Fully vaccinated | |
| Pfizer Moderna AstraZeneca Covaxin Covishield Noravax Sputnik V |
2 | Fully vaccinated | Partially vaccinated |
| 3 | Boosted | Fully vaccinated | |
| CanSino Janssen Sputnik Light |
1 | Fully vaccinated | Partially vaccinated |
| 2 | Boosted | Fully vaccinated | |
| Malaysia will also accept COVID-19 vaccines that are not listed under the World Health Organisation’s Emergency Use Listing but are approved by regulatory agencies in other countries. | |||
To obtain your COVID-19 vaccination certificate, head over to Notαrise to download your Vaccination HealthCert. To make the process simpler for you, we have included a step by step guide to obtaining your Vaccination Healthcert and QR code.
- Select “Vaccination certificate” highlighted in grey above
- Log in with your Singpass or Passport Number
- Verify your email address
- Select user for issuance
- Confirm your information
- Submit
After receiving your Vaccination HealthCert, which should take around one working day, do upload and verify your QR code, which is found on your Vaccination HealthCert, on the MySafeTravel portal before departure. To do so, we suggest either,
- Taking a screenshot of the QR code found in your Vaccination HealthCert then uploading it onto the MySafeTravel portal
- Taking a picture of the QR code found in your Vaccination HealthCert using another device then uploading it onto the MySafeTravel portal
Storing Your Vaccination HealthCert
To store your Vaccination HealthCert, you can get an email copy of your Vaccination HealthCert from Notαrise. You may choose to print this out to produce at the checkpoint. Alternatively, for those who wish to use the online QR verification, you may store your vaccination card in the compatible e-wallets – Singpass and Google Pay.
Verifying Your Vaccination HealthCert When Travelling
To verify the QR code found on your Vaccination HealthCert, you have three options, online QR verification, offline QR verification as well as visual sighting. Below, we have included how you may verify your vaccination using each option.
| Type of verification | How to verify |
|---|---|
| Online QR Verification | Simply present the Online or Offline Verification QR code on your Vaccination HealthCert for scanning.
Do note that each dose of vaccination has a unique QR code on your Vaccination HealthCert. |
| Offline QR Verification Might be used within the EU and other countries/regions which recognise Singapore’s EU Digital COVID certificate |
Simply present the Online or Offline Verification QR code on your Vaccination HealthCert for scanning.
Do note that each dose of vaccination has a unique QR code on your Vaccination HealthCert. |
| Visual Sighting | Simply present your Vaccination HealthCert forvisual inspection. |
Download MySejahtera
Equivalent to Singapore’s TraceTogether, the MySejahtera mobile application serves as a platform to check your vaccination status and facilitates contact tracing. As such, it is imperative that you download MySejahtera before departure. You may register using either your mobile number or email address.
Travellers will also need to complete the Pre-Departure Form. This can be done by simply clicking on the “traveller” icon (highlighted in grey above) followed by “Travel for (your name)” (highlighted in red above). When registering, you will be required to add your Malaysian address. We suggest using your Singapore address, using 80000 as the postal code, and filling in the city as Johor Bahru.
As an alternative to uploading your Vaccination HealthCert onto the MySafeTravel portal, you can update your vaccination status directly on the MySejahtera mobile application. You can do so by simply clicking on the “traveller” icon and filling in your details in the arrival card. Should you be required to key in a Malaysian address, we suggest using your Singapore address, filling in the city as Johor Bahru, and using 80000 as the postal code.
Entering Malaysia
Upon crossing the Singapore-Malaysia border, travellers by land will also be required to pay Road Charge from 8 April 2022.
Road Charge
The Road Charge is a levy imposed on non-Malaysia-registered cars going into Malaysia on road through Johor. Imposed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport, Singapore-registered cars entering Malaysia’s land checkpoints – both at Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link – will be required to pay RM20/S$6.45.
As an alternative to your typical Touch ‘n Go cards which cost S$10, Singaporean travellers can also purchase the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go card which is a dual-currency cross-border card catering to Singapore motorists travelling to Malaysia. Currently on sale at selected 7-Eleven stores in Singapore, the EZ-Link Official Shopee Store, and at Caltex, Sinopec, and SPC petrol stations from 11 April 2022, travellers can get this card at S$10 as well instead of the regular Touch ’n Go cards for added convenience.
To help you better understand the convenience that the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go card brings, we have included the uses for this card and locations where you can top up the cards below.
| Usage | Singapore | Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Tolling | ERP ✓ |
VEP Toll ✓ |
| Parking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rail and Bus | ✓ | |
| Retail | ✓ |
| Country | Locations |
|---|---|
| Singapore (top-up fees apple at certain top-up channels) |
7-Eleven outlets DBS/POSB ATMs AXS Stations that accept EZ-Link card payments |
| Malaysia | Locations |
Do take note that the EZ-Link x Touch ‘n Go card has two purses – an SGD purse and an MYR purse. As such, any top-ups done in SGD into the SGD purse are non-transferrable to the MYR purse. Furthermore, the funds in the SGD purse can only be used for eligible transactions in Singapore such as parking and Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) fees. As such, if you plan to use the EZ-Link Touch ‘n Go to pay for tolls in Malaysia, you will need to top your card up in Malaysia.
Fortunately, from 1 April to 7 April, the Road Charge will be waived since Singaporeans have not been able to enter Malaysia and top up their Touch ‘n Go cards due to the closure of borders for the last two years. However, from 8 April onwards, do ensure that your Touch ‘n Go has been topped up with sufficient value to make payment at checkpoints.
If you had travelled to Malaysia before 8 April and had been asked by the immigration officer for your Touch ‘n Go card, they were simply checking the validity of your card and if you had sufficient value in your card should you drive to areas which charged toll. Thus, you can be assured that you were not charged.
As the Road Charge waiver will be lifted on 8 April, ensure that your Touch ‘n Go card is still active. While most cards purchased before the COVID-19 pandemic still work, do check the expiry date of your card to be safe. Should you require assistance regarding your card, head over to the Touch ‘n Go website.
For those who need to purchase a Touch ‘n Go card, you may purchase it at selected convenience stores, petrol stations as well as self-service kiosks. As a tip, we suggest that you purchase your card and spend at Touch ‘n Go’s partner merchants such as Watsons or Lotus (previously called Tesco) to enjoy rewards when you shop.
Returning to Singapore
While fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to apply for the Vaccinated Travel Pass, travellers will need to fill in the SG Arrival Card (SGAC).
SG Arrival Card
All travellers including Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Long-Term Pass holders returning back to or entering Singapore will need to fill up an SG arrival card within three days prior to arriving at the checkpoints. This SG arrival card is simply a health declaration form and not a visa. Should you have any change of plans, the SG Arrival Card offers flexibility and allows you to change the date that you return to Singapore.
For Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents (PRs) and Long-term Pass Holders using the SG Arrival Card mobile application, click on the option in grey above. You will then be led to the SG Arrival Card website as shown below.
Select the option in red and fill in your personal details.
Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Long-Awaited Trip to Malaysia
Having not been able to cross the land border quarantine-free for the past two years, you should definitely make the most out of your trip to Malaysia. From helping you save even more on petrol to what you can do, we have recommended our top tips and tricks.
Download Beat the Jam
Taken from the Beat The Jam App Store Preview.
With the recent reopening of the border, it is unlikely that there will be no queue at the checkpoints. However, to help you save time queuing and instead, spend more time across the border, we recommend using the Beat the Jam mobile application for real-time jam estimates, traffic forecasts, as well as live images to help you better plan your route. The Beat the Jam Application is available in both the App Store and Google Play.
Find the Best Petrol Credit Card
Especially with the recent hike in petrol prices, almost every driver will pump petrol when they are in Malaysia. While Singapore-registered cars are permitted to only pump RON97 octane, the price of petrol in Malaysia is still significantly lower than in Singapore. As of 4 April 2022, the price per litre of RON97 is at RM3.83 which comes up to S$1.23, which is almost a third of the price of petrol in Singapore.
But who does not love to save more! With the right petrol credit or debit card, you can be sure to maximise your savings.
Explore Your Go-to Stores in Malaysia
As compared to pre-covid days, the streets and malls in Johor Bahru are a lot emptier. While most of the shops at smaller shophouses have unfortunately wound up, you can be assured that your bigger malls, stores, and restaurants are still open.
From the famous Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory – known for their banana cakes – to The Replacement Cafe for hipster travellers, these stores are still open. However, we recommend that you do your research on your go-to shops to check if they are still open!
Some of the crowd’s favourite malls that are still open, albeit very empty, include
- KSL City Shopping Mall
- Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya
- AEON Mall Tebrau City
Apart from feasting at your favourite eateries and shopping, you can also get a car wash while you shop at only ~RM10/S$3.21. Furthermore, you can settle your grocery fix at a fraction of the price in Singapore, of course following the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority’s (AVA) regulations.
Take Care of Your Belongings
While you may be eager to start your shopping in Johor Bahru, it is imperative that you take care of your belongings. Notorious for its pickpockets amongst travellers at tourist attractions and on public transport, do not leave your valuables in plain sight.
Worried about your safety and your belongings? Consider purchasing car and travel insurance that protects you against losses incurred during your trip, covering everything from damage to your vehicle to loss of baggage.
Car Insurance That Covers Malaysia: Direct Asia Value
Coverage & Benefits
| Benefits | Limit | Extra Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Accident (Main Driver) | S$500,000 | S$53.50 | |
| Personal Accident (Passenger) | N/A | N/A | |
| Medical Coverage | S$500 | S$21.40 | N/A |
| Windscreen Coverage (S$100 Excess) | Unlimited | N/A | |
| Car Accessories | S$5,000 | S$21.46 | |
| Loss of Use | S$50/day | S$53.50 |
Analyst’s Review
DirectAsia’s plans offer the best value to safe drivers looking for a great deal without sacrificing features or coverage. Its comprehensive plan emphasises flexibility, giving customers a high level of control over which features they want to include in their plan and how much coverage they want. Additionally, its cheapest comprehensive plan—the Value plan—costs 26-31% below average for continental car models like BMW, Mercedes and Audi, meaning you still have room in your budget to take advantage of their add-on options.
In terms of coverage, Direct Asia has comprehensive accident and damage coverage, keeping you insured from everything like fire or vandalism to flooding and natural disasters. More importantly, Direct Asia’s car insurance policies offer coverage in Singapore, West Malaysia and Southern Thailand so you can rest assure that your car will be well insured even when you are driving overseas. It also offers a variety of benefits to add on to your plan to make your policy suited to your needs. If you already have a trusted garage, you can opt to to authorise any workshop for repairs, add protection for driving outside of Singapore and get up to S$500,000 of personal accident protection. You can also add coverage for accessories, medical expenses and loss of use.
Travel Insurance Plan With the Best Coverage and Benefits
Allianz Travel Insurance Coverage
| Single Trip Comprehensive Bronze | Single Trip Comprehensive Silver | Single Trip Comprehensive Platinum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baggage Coverage Coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during your trip |
S$7,000 | S$12,000 | S$15,000 |
| Trip Cancellation Coverage | S$15,000 | S$15,000 | S$25,000 |
| Trip Interruption Coverage | S$15,000 | S$15,000 | S$25,000 |
| Travel Delay Coverage | S$1,500 | S$1,500 | S$1,500 |
| Emergency Medical Coverage | S$1,000,000 | S$1,000,000 | Unlimited |
| Emergency Transportation Coverage | S$1,000,000 | S$1,000,000 | Unlimited |
| It’s important to remember that travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. Your policy will be subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and benefits limits of the policy wording. For more information please click on the Allianz Travel Policy Wording. | |||
Are You Ready for Your Next Trip Across the Causeway
With the new test-free and quarantine-free travel across the Singapore-Malaysia land border, for many of the Malaysians working in Singapore, it is finally time for you to reunite with your loved ones. As for Singaporeans, it is finally time to reunite with our favourite food stores, petrol, and more. Yet, it is still important to stay cautious and travel safely. To help you with that, check out our comprehensive review of travel insurance plans in Singapore!
This article was first published on ValueChampion and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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This article was first published on Value Champion and was republished on theAsianparent with permission.