RGL Business travel from Singapore to Malaysia

LAST UPDATED: 22 NOVEMBER 2020

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Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) for cross border movement between Singapore and Malaysia was announced on 14 July 2020 and applications began on 10 August 2020. This scheme was implemented to facilitate travelling for essential business and official purposes.

The RGL guidelines are not foolproof enough and left me with a lot of questions throughout the whole process from pre-arrival till now (day 4). I hope that this guide manages to help some of you guys who are holding a Singapore passport and travelling to Malaysia on RGL. These information may be useful for future border relaxations too.

Key points to note about RGL

• Must have been in Singapore for at least 14 days prior to RGL departure.
• No quarantine in Malaysia.
• Maximum stay of 14 days in Malaysia.
• Only non-residential accommodation is allowed (no AirBnb).

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Pre-departure process (Singapore)

15 Sep 2020: Submit application
Application submitted by my Malaysian business partner/sponsor along with an invitation letter, full program of my stay in Malaysia, accommodation bookings and passport details. There is a cap of only 400 RGL travellers from Singapore to Malaysia per week. This application was made for travel on 26 Sep 2020. Although the RGL guidelines mentioned that applications have to be submitted at least 10 working days before departure, the website allows your sponsor to submit applications 7 calendar days away.

21 Sep 2020: Approval from Immigration Department of Malaysia
My sponsor received an email that the application is approved. The RGL approval letter was attached.

21 Sep 2020: Appointment for pre-departure swab test
Upon receiving the approval letter from my sponsor, I started checking my COVID-19 swab test window. The RGL guideline requires pre-departure swab test to be done within 72 hours before departure. As this is not a rapid test, it takes about 2 days for the result to be out. Here are the cut-off test timings as advised by ICA.

Departure Time	Cut-off test timimg
12:00am to 09:29am	10.00am two days before departure
9:30am to 3:29pm	4.00pm two days before departure
3:30am to 11:59pm	10.00am one day before departure

As I planned to depart Singapore by Woodlands checkpoint on the morning of 26 Sep, the small window to get my swab test done was between 12pm on 23 Sep and 10am on 24 Sep. I did mine on the evening of 23 Sep to allow myself a few hours of buffer in case I have something urgent to attend to before my departure on 26 Sep.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Woodlands/Johor Bahru checkpoints are NOT operating 24 hours now. Only 7am to 7pm. The ones from Tuas are open from 8am to 12 midnight if you are driving/riding.

I then called a clinic from ICA’s list to arrange for a pre-departure COVID-19 PCR swab test. From the list, you will find that Raffles Medical charges $186 while others charge $199 to $200. This is because the prices listed for Raffles Medical clinics exclude GST. Sneaky!

I called True Medical Clinic Tampines West to make an appointment. The clinic advised me to send them an email with the following information:

1. RGL letter
2. Passport copy
3. Preferred date of swab test
4. Preferred time of swab test
5. Preferred clinic location: Tampines West or Paya Lebar Quarter
6. Name as per NRIC/FIN/Passport
7. NRIC/FIN number
8. Passport number
9. Date of birth
10. Contact number
11. Departure date and time

22 Sep 2020: Pre-departure swab test appointment confirmed
I received an email from the clinic that my pre-departure swab test appointment has been confirmed.

23 Sep 2020: Pre-departure swab test
We’ve all seen videos of these swab tests and all of them looked painful! My test was done very professionally in a private room. The tester placed his hand behind my head and asked me to rest on it. He mentioned that it will take about 15-20 seconds. I wish he didn’t mention that it may cause slight bleeding too!

The moment of truth came. I wouldn’t call it painful but it is very discomforting. Have you ever had swimming pool water go up your nose? Do you remember that burning sensation that made your eyes tear? It felt like that but maybe a little less intense. Your eyes will tear but not because of pain. The swab was only done through one nostril and as promised, was completed within 15-20 seconds.

After the test, I went out of the room to make the payment (clinic doesn’t accept credit cards. boo!). I was also told that the test result will be out on the afternoon of 25 Sep (day before departure) and it will be emailed to me. I could also collect hard copies of the result from the clinic between 6pm to 11pm.

25 Sep 2020: Swab test result
I received an email with my test result at 4:52pm and went to the clinic to collect the hard copies, just in case.

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Departure process (Singapore)

26 Sep 2020, 10:20am: Arrive at Woodlands Checkpoint

Although I have all documents printed out, I tried my best not to use them throughout my journey. My experience should answer your question on whether or not you NEED everything printed out. Short answer: You don’t have to, but you should.

At this point, you should have the MySejahtera app downloaded and installed in your phone. You should also have data roaming activated. You will require mobile data for a number of things once you are in Johor.

I dropped off at the taxi stand at Woodlands Train Checkpoint and followed the signs to the immigration counters. There was a small table with 2 ICA officers just before the automated gantries. One of these officers called me forward to check the required documents like my RGL approval letter and swab test result. There wasn’t a queue when I was there. I went ahead to show them the documents on my phone. The officer asked if I have them printed out. I said no and he said “We are okay with the soft copies but we can’t guarantee that the Malaysia side will allow”. I then went ahead to scan my passport at the (upgraded) automated gantry and proceeded down for the free, hourly shuttle bus, just in front of the escalator.

26 Sep 2020, 10:34am: Shuttle bus departed Woodlands Checkpoint
There is a shuttle bus schedule being shared around which I think is outdated. I timed my arrival to catch the 10:45am bus but it was already there when I reached the bus bay at 10:30am. I was the last person to board the bus (which was full, with social distancing) and it departed at 10:34am. It didn’t look like the bus driver is following any schedule. Just be prepared to wait a maximum of 1-hour, unless if you decide to walk to Johor Bahru, which will take about 45 mins. Also note that this free shuttle bus does not run during lunch hours (i.e. 12:30pm – 2.30pm).

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Arrival process (Johor Bahru)

26 Sep 2020, 10:40am: Shuttle bus arrived in Johor Bahru CIQ
Upon alighting from the bus, I was directed to join a queue to a small desk with two immigration officers.

One of them checked my RGL letter and gave me a “health alert card” and an RGL arrival checklist. I was also told to write down my address in Malaysia.

This is where you have to be alert; I was brought to a holding area where there were two large QR codes (on building pillars) to scan with the MySejahtera app. As most travellers are Malaysians returning home, I was mistakenly asked by a RELA officer to scan the PCA QR code. I informed him that I am an RGL traveller and he asked me to scan another QR code (which was on another pillar), about 3 meters from the PCA QR code. The RELA officers were very helpful in helping me fill up what is required in the MySejatera app.

I then joined about 30 other travellers in the waiting area, which is nothing fancy, everyone was seated by the kerb.

26 Sep 2020, 11:25am: Queue for another document check
After about 20 minutes of waiting, we were asked to walk in a single file to another area for another round of document check by a couple of immigration officers behind a small wooden table.

The officer asked if I have my RGL letter printed out. I said no and she nicely mentioned that I should have. She didn’t make a big deal about it and I was asked to head upstairs for my arrival swab test.

26 Sep 2020, 11:45am: Swab test area
The swab test area is just to the right of the escalator upstairs and you can see the usual immigration counters in the distance. I was asked to check-in with a normal QR code reader (not MySejahtera). One of the staff then gave me a queue number. This is where you have to be careful again. Swab tests for travellers on RGL are done with a Rapid Test Kit (RTK). Make sure the staff knows that you are an RGL traveller because you can be sure that most (if not all) travellers around you are on PCA.

When my queue number was called, I was asked to scan another QR code that opens up a page to book and pay for the arrival swab test. I paid RM130 with my GrabPay card and yes, Grab points were awarded.

The staff then asked me to have a seat on the chair that is labelled “RTK”. She also took the extra step to inform the swab-tester to use the RTK as I am an RGL traveller.

26 Sep 2020, 12:00pm: RTK swab test
I wasn’t prepared to have a brush-like stick up my nostril! I assumed that an RTK would just require my saliva. The swab was very quick (about 3 seconds) and was done through both nostrils. It is definitely less “agonising” that the one that I had in Singapore. I was then asked to go back to the waiting area and wait for the result to be out in 20 minutes’ time.

26 Sep 2020, 12:22pm: RTK swab test result
I was called by name and shown that my test result is negative. Two more steps to go!

I was then asked to join the KKM (Ministry of Health) queue for more document checks. There is a separate queue for RGL and I was the only one in line. I was asked to scan another QR code (with a normal QR code reader) and to fill up an online form. Once that was done, I had to fill up a physical form with the addresses of all the hotels that I’ll be staying in. The KKM officer then asked to see all my documents (all that was used for the initial RGL application by my sponsor). All these documents were shown using my phone.

As she was just about done, I asked if I should have printed them, she nicely said that it would make it easier for her and I was the first person who did not have the documents printed.

26 Sep 2020, 12:45pm: Passport stamp
I then head over to the typical immigration counter for the final round of document checks and the arrival stamp. I asked if there is any way that I can extend my stay beyond 14 days. It was a firm NO. Not even as an APEC Business Traveller.

That feeling of walking out of Johor Bahru CIQ building was the most liberating and best travel experience that I’ve had since arriving from London on SQ 317 on 18 March 2020, over 6 months ago. Although RGL does not require any quarantine, I have to stick to my pre-declared program.

Person Under Surveillance (PUS)

Malaysia has a similar contact-tracing app as Singapore’s TraceTogether. With the MySejahtera app, I am required to check in every where I go, even onboard the bus from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur and it is clearly shown on the app (in red) that I am a “high-risk” individual. Yes, even after 2 negative COVID-19 tests.

My lingering questions

Although RGL is for essential business and official purposes, nothing was mentioned about leisure activities and movement restrictions. I’ll definitely avoid crowded places like cinemas or popular bars but am I allowed to eat out or maybe shop for a t-shirt or two in a mall? Will I get into trouble for a foot massage after day’s work? My guess is yes, they are allowed as long as it is reasonable (not a full day of spa treatments or shopping). These activities may get me into trouble as my MySejahtera app shows my check-in history into individual stores.

My hotel stays in Malaysia

For a 14 days, 13 nights stay in Malaysia, I have made a total of 4 hotel bookings. I was afraid that this may cause my RGL application to be rejected (for too many movements) as I’ll be staying in 3 different states (Johor, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur). I’m glad that it wasn’t an issue. I booked three 4-nights stays in 3 different cities to utilise my Citibank Prestige card’s 4th night free benefit.

I will be writing another article about the current hotel deals in Malaysia and booking experience after Citi Prestige’s “enhancement” on their terms and conditions.

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Departure process (Johor bahru)

9 Oct 2020, 5.20pm: First document check
I walked into Johor Bahru’s Immigration Complex (CIQ) via the walkway from JB Sentral train station. There was a table right before the escalator that goes up into the building. This is where the immigration officers checked that I have a Singaporean passport (no need for exit permit) and wrote down my passport details before allowing me to enter the building.

9 Oct 2020, 5.30pm: Stamped out
There wasn’t any queues at the immigration counters. I asked if there was any possibility of extending my stay. Was given a firm “no”. Worth a shot, right?

9 Oct 2020, 5.35pm: Arrived at bus bay
Followed signs to Woodlands and took the escalator down to the bus bay (Platform A) to wait for the free bus that goes to Woodlands Checkpoint. The staff mentioned that I missed the 5.30pm bus. When asked, I was told that walking across the causeway is no longer allowed because of quarantine protocols. He mentioned that the next bus will leave at 6.15pm. I boarded the bus at 5.45pm and the bus left at exactly 6.15pm. There were about 12 passengers in the bus.

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Arrival process (Singapore)

9 Oct 2020, 6.20pm: Arrived at Woodlands Checkpoint
All travellers were directed upstairs (by lift), where the immigration counters are. I was the only RGL returnee and was directed to a wooden table with a few ICA officers. They asked if I have filled up a pre-arrival health declaration form. I didn’t know that I had to. The officers didn’t make a big deal of it and assisted me to fill up the form on his tablet.

I was told that there will be a swab test done on me. As I had trouble finding information on RGL arrival swab test and Stay Home Notice (SHN), I asked a number of questions. Here are the key points to note for RGL returnees:

UPDATE: From 23 Nov 2020, all RGL returnees from Malaysia will have to undergo 14-days SHN in a dedicated facility.

1. Y̶o̶u̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶c̶h̶o̶i̶c̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶d̶o̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶w̶a̶b̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶u̶p̶o̶n̶ ̶a̶r̶r̶i̶v̶a̶l̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶s̶e̶r̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶7̶-̶d̶a̶y̶s̶ ̶S̶H̶N̶.̶ UPDATE: From 23 Nov 2020, all RGL returnees will have to undergo 14-days SHN in a dedicated facility.
2. I̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶o̶p̶t̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶d̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶w̶a̶b̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶u̶p̶o̶n̶ ̶a̶r̶r̶i̶v̶a̶l̶,̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶i̶s̶o̶l̶a̶t̶e̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶r̶s̶e̶l̶f̶ ̶(̶a̶t̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶p̶l̶a̶c̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶i̶d̶e̶n̶c̶e̶)̶ ̶u̶n̶t̶i̶l̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶u̶l̶t̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶(̶b̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶e̶x̶t̶ ̶e̶v̶e̶n̶i̶n̶g̶)̶.̶ ̶I̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶s̶u̶l̶t̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶n̶e̶g̶a̶t̶i̶v̶e̶,̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶w̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶f̶r̶e̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶g̶o̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶(̶n̶o̶ ̶S̶H̶N̶)̶.̶
3. T̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶w̶a̶b̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ ̶W̶o̶o̶d̶l̶a̶n̶d̶s̶ ̶c̶h̶e̶c̶k̶p̶o̶i̶n̶t̶ ̶c̶o̶s̶t̶s̶ ̶$̶2̶0̶0̶ ̶n̶e̶t̶t̶.̶ ̶T̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶c̶o̶s̶t̶s̶ ̶$̶3̶0̶0̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶a̶r̶r̶i̶v̶e̶ ̶v̶i̶a̶ ̶C̶h̶a̶n̶g̶i̶ ̶A̶i̶r̶p̶o̶r̶t̶.̶ Credit/debit cards are accepted. UPDATE: As reported in the Telegram group, swab test at Woodlands is now $145 nett and at Changi Airport, $196 nett.
4. I̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶o̶p̶t̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶s̶e̶r̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶7̶-̶d̶a̶y̶s̶ ̶S̶H̶N̶,̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶w̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶r̶e̶q̶u̶i̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶g̶o̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶a̶ ̶s̶w̶a̶b̶ ̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶5̶t̶h̶ ̶d̶a̶y̶.̶
5. You are not required to do a swab test in Malaysia before returning to Singapore. Even if you do, it will not change anything on your arrival procedure in Singapore.

9 Oct 2020, 6.30pm: Arrival swab test
I was escorted back down to the bus bay into make-shift rooms with partition walls. I had to fill up another health declaration form while a nurse (from Parkway Shenton) took down my particulars. The nurse mentioned that there is a new order in Singapore that swab tests have to be done by doctors, wherever possible. I was asked to make the payment and was brought into another isolation room and waited about 5 minutes for the doctor to arrive.

I don’t want to scare you guys but this was the only painful one of the 3 swabs that I have done. It was done on both nostrils and the doctor went deeper down. It wasn’t as gentle as my pre-arrival swab but it was also shorter (about 5 seconds in each nostril).

Once the swab was done, I was escorted upstairs.

9 Oct 2020, 6.50pm: Immigration and custom clearance
There were about 25 ICA officers in the arrival hall and I was the only traveller. Crazy times. Immigration and custom clearance was quick and I was not served any SHN letter. I then walked all the way to the taxi stand at Woodlands Train Checkpoint.

9 Oct 2020, 7.05pm: Transport home
There was a CISCO officer right before the stairs down to the taxi stand. She mentioned that I am not allowed to wait at the taxi stand. I will need to provide the license plate number of the vehicle that is picking me up and someone will check if the vehicle has arrived before I can proceed down. I was also told that only selected ride-hailing companies are allowed and Grab isn’t one of them! Very strange. I asked if I can get a family member to pick me up and the officer said yes.

10 Oct 2020, 12.40pm: Result sent via email
I received my negative swab test result earlier than expected. Just in time to head out for lunch!

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Bottom line

This completes my RGL travel experience. It feels good to travel again, albeit with a strict itinerary. Was it worth all the hassle? Oh hell yes! I would do it again next week if I have to.

It feels good staying in hotels that are going for a fair 40% – 50% off, during a pandemic.

After living in hotels for a year, I am happy with myself for not succumbing to FOMO with poor staycation “deals” in Singapore.

A poll on Suitesmile’s Instagram story showed that a large majority of you feel the same. Great to know that most of you guys are value travellers too. Hang in there! 💪

I can also understand why it is taking so long for the authorities on both sides to ease the border a little more. This is the world’s busiest land crossing and there is no way 200,000 people each day can go through what I went through without any chaos. Something more streamlined has to be implemented. Till that day comes, this is how it feels like to travel in the new normal.

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