How are families reuniting after two years of border closure?

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Families Reunite as Singapore-Malaysia Causeway Fully Reopens

The full reopening of the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia on April 1, 2022, has enabled numerous families to reunite after a two-year closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fully vaccinated individuals can now cross the land borders without the need for quarantine or testing, facilitating emotional reunions and the resumption of daily commutes for many. Scores of people gathered at the Woodlands Checkpoint on the night of March 31, eagerly awaiting passage after midnight, with motorists expressing their joy through honking and cheering.
Resumption of Daily Commutes and Family Visits

Many individuals, like Mr Ganesan Narayanan, a 37-year-old technician, are planning to resume their daily commutes between Singapore and their homes in Malaysia. Mr Ganesan, whose wife and daughter live in Kulai, Johor Baru, changed his plans to walk across the Causeway earlier than expected to surprise them. Similarly, Mr Ooi Boon Pin, 36, an electrician turned air-conditioner installer, returned to Singapore to work after being in Malaysia since March 22, 2020, to be with his wife, while his son and parents remain in Malaysia.
Emotional Journeys and Personal Reunions

The reopening has facilitated deeply personal journeys. Mr Arafat Mahyiddin, 38, planned to walk across the Causeway to Johor Baru to see his wife and children, describing the moment as one that cannot be relived. Mr James Lim, 42, a biomedical officer, intended to walk across to visit his ailing father in Johor Baru, who is suffering from cancer. Mr Ugendran Asogan, 24, was returning to Malacca specifically to hug his mother, whom he had missed dearly.
Settling Accommodation and Long-Term Plans

The reopening has also prompted changes in living arrangements. Mr Tanageswaran Chandra Mohan, 26, and his wife Dhanalaxmi Gunahsegeran, 26, are moving back to Tampoi, Johor, after leasing out their flat in Singapore. Mr Muhammad Fariezatul Firdaus Ahmed, 31, a cleaner, has given up his Singapore flat lease and is renting a place in Johor to be with his family in Kelantan, planning to resume his daily commute to Singapore. Mr Kelvin Lim, 39, a Singapore permanent resident, cancelled his rental lease in Singapore and intends to resume his daily commute to Johor Baru to be with his wife and daughter.

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How are families reuniting after two years of border closure?

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