The decision to allow Malaysians to work, which was announced yesterday, to travel from Johor Bahru to Singapore would not only benefit citizens but also improve the economy in both countries.

The decision was welcomed by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammed as the "light at the end of the tunnel' after nearly three months of life in difficulty for the people after the Movement Control Order (MCO) was enforced on 18 March.

“I believe that the federal government's decision to allow Malaysians to commute to Singapore is for the economic benefits of both countries and the well-being of Malaysians working in the island republic.

“Indeed, Malaysia and Singapore need each other especially as neighboring countries,” he said in a statement.

It was estimated that between 200,000 and 250,000 Malaysians travel in Singapore through the Sultan Iskandar Building Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) complex, or Sultan Abu Bakar Complex to work in various fields including manufacturing, hospitality, and other services, the Benut State Assemblyman said.

However, he said that the decision of the government to implement the MCO and Singapore 's implementation of a circuit breaker since April 7 led to a loss in revenue for the majority of Malaysians working in Singapore.

“The state government will always help and cooperate with the federal government and Singaporean Government to facilitate the necessary arrangements and ensure they proceed smoothly,” he added.

Hasni said Johor received RM19.423 billion investment in the manufacturing sector from Singapore since 1999.

“For 2019, investment from Singapore jumped 51.47 per cent to RM1.68 billon. The investment trend from Singapore has shown a positive significance and among the biggest contributors to the investment in Johor,” he said.

The state's proximity to the republic and the geopolitical and business environment are almost similar in Malaysia and Singapore among the factors attracting Singapore investment.

Beside that, the state government welcomed the announcement made by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on implementation of the MCO Recovery to substitute for Conditional MCO, which will start tomorrow to enable more sectors to reopen in stages.