Indonesia, Malaysia agree on travel lane for vaccinated residents

Leaders of both countries also discuss protection of migrant workers, land and sea borders

- Arlina Arshad

Indonesia and Malaysia yesterday agreed to launch a vaccinated travel lane between the two countries in stages, as the Covid-19 pandemic situation improves in both.

This was announced in a joint statement following a meeting between Indonesian President Joko Widodo and visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the state palace in Bogor, outside Jakarta.

Mr. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, said he had a “very open and friendly” discussion with Datuk Seri Ismail on several topics, including protection for migrant workers, land and sea borders, as well as regional issues such as Myanmar and the South China Sea.

“As close neighbours and peoples of a common race, we must strengthen our cooperation based on the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit,” said the Indonesian leader.

“We have agreed to make a travel corridor arrangement in stages, that we will launch one by one,” he added.

Mr Ismail said the two leaders agreed to implement a vaccinated travel lane.