26 Mar 2020
Ref No.: 260320 (1)
UEN: S97SS0046G
Dear Valued ASPRI Members,
3 Important Updates on Malaysia’s Movement Control Order
1/3: MEASURES TO ENSURE CONTINUED SUPPLY OF ESSENTIAL GOODS DURING MCO
In a press release dated 26 March 2020, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport announced the special exemption to clear non-essential goods to warehouses outside the port area temporarily so they can continue to release essential goods promptly and immediately. Currently, Port Klang, Port of Penang, and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang have reached nearly 100% of their capacities to hold goods. These goods must be moved out of warehouses and delivered to their final destinations as soon as possible.
The affected ports will develop and implement action plans to immediately expedite the movement of goods currently congesting their warehouses in their port areas. Freight forwarders and haulier companies will be allowed to move their goods out for 24 hours per day between Friday, 27 March and Sunday, 29 March.
Members previously affected by the Movement Control Order (MCO) and were unable to bring over supplies could reach out to suppliers in Malaysia to see if special approvals/ administrative procedures are required to move your logistics to Singapore during this period.
For full press release, please click HERE.
2/3: MOM ENTRY APPROVAL AND STAY-HOME NOTICE REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK PASS HOLDERS FROM MALAYSIA
With immediate effect, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require all new and existing work pass holders (including dependants) planning to enter Singapore from Malaysia, to obtain MOM’s approval before they commence their journey. This is applicable regardless of the mode of travel into Singapore. The entry approval requirement applies to:
a) Existing work pass holders currently out of Singapore; and
b) In-Principle Approval holders who have yet to enter Singapore.
Upon arrival in Singapore, all affected work pass holders will be placed on a mandatory 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). When applying for entry approval, employers will be required to declare to MOM that they have arranged for suitable housing premises for these employees and have made appropriate arrangements for food for the duration of their SHN.
Employers are required to apply for entry approval using this online facility. Employers should inform their affected employees (including their dependants) not to make travel plans to Singapore until approval has been received from MOM. The employers will be required to send the MOM approval letter to the employees who will need to show it to the airline staff upon check-in (if travelling by air) and at the ICA checkpoint upon arrival in Singapore.
For full press release: https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2020/0325-mom-entry-approval-and-stay-home-notice-requirements-for-work-pass-holders-from-malaysia
3/3: EMPLOYERS ADVISED TO PLAN FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING OPTIONS FOR THEIR WORKERS USUALLY HOUSED IN MALAYSIA
Malaysia has announced that its Movement Control Order (MCO) will be extended to 14 April 2020. As a result, workers usually housed in Malaysia will be affected. Given the uncertainty over border controls, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) strongly encourages all affected employers to look for more sustainable housing options in Singapore for these workers. MOM will now embark on the next phase, which is to work with employers to facilitate the transfer of their affected workers into more sustainable housing options in Singapore.
Employers who require more sustainable housing options can refer to MOM website at https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/available-accommodation or contact MOM at mom_qops@mom.gov.sg
MOM previously announced that it would provide temporary housing support to help employers defray the additional costs of housing affected workers, as a result of the MCO implemented on 18 March.
MOM will not be extending the temporary housing support beyond 31 March 2020. For their own long-term sustainability and business continuity reasons, employers will need to decide on how best to house their affected workers in Singapore, and the sharing of additional costs with their workers.
For full press release: https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2020/0325-employers-advised-to-plan-sustainable-housing-options-for-workers-usually-housed-in-malaysia