KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is now in discussion with Singapore over the possibility of opening up the borders of the two countries in stages, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said.
One of the matters being raised was the likelihood of allowing daily commute between the two nations, he said.
Saifuddin said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had also spoken to his counterpart in Singapore, Ong Ye Kung, on the matter, adding that opening up the borders would benefit both Malaysia and the republic.
"Nevertheless, it is a priority for the government to continue the discourse with Singapore on the gradual reopening of the border, depending on the current health situation.
"This includes the proposed daily cross-border movement known as Daily Commuting Arrangement (DCA)," he said in his winding-up speech on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in Dewan Rakyat today.
Should this happen any time soon, Saifuddin said it would open up the possibility of more cross-border travels with other countries including Thailand.
"Let's hope and pray that this matter can be resolved soon because both countries need this," he said.
Saifuddin also called on the Parliament to quickly approve the ministry's proposal on the formation of a new Select Comittee for Foreign Affairs.
"I have written to the Speaker (Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun) and I hope we will get the decision soon," he said.