Malaysia's Lockdown Begins, Commuters Rush To Make It Back To Singapore

Malaysia’s restricted movement order kicks into effect today (March 18) as its government announced a two-week national lockdown till March 31 in a bid to stop the spreading of COVID-19. The order includes the closing of the borders, and both locals and tourists will be prohibited from travelling in and out of Malaysia during the lockdown.

The move affects especially the Malaysians who commute daily to Singapore for work. Some companies (like SBS, which employs a number of Malaysian bus captains) have arranged temporary accommodation for their employees. This leaves some Malaysian workers scrambling back home to pack their belongings before braving the Causeway traffic jam again to make it back to Singapore before the order takes place.

We at 8days.sg feel for our Malaysian brethren who have to make the long commute across borders every day just to make a livin g — this period of pandemic, supermarket sweeps and restricted movement is truly humbling, and serves as a reminder for us to be kind and understanding towards one another. "Cannot drive, just rest," remarks a JB carpool driver to us when we enquire about his livelihood for the next two weeks.