Singapore is upping its security measures at the two checkpoints of Woodlands and Tuas, travellers can expect very heavy traffic over the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Day long weekends, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Tuesday (Dec 19).
Crossings at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints have surged, and security measures have also been stepped up in view of the situation in the Middle East, ICA said in an advisory.
“Traffic flow over the recent weekend – Dec 15 to Dec 17 – at both land checkpoints has exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels, with more than 1.3 million travellers passing through – close to 435,000 crossings daily,” ICA said.
“Compared with the same period in 2019, this was an increase of close to 30,000 travellers – close to 10,000 crossings daily.”
ICA said that travellers should factor in a longer wait for immigration clearance when planning their trips, adding that those clearing immigration by car might have to wait up to three hours.
“We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with ICA officers,” the authority said.
ICA advised motorists to check the traffic situation at the checkpoints before embarking on their journeys. They can do so on the Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website.
The authority also warned against queue cutting as it can “cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists”.
“Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue,” it added.
Departing travellers driving Singapore-registered cars must comply with the “three-quarter tank” rule. Offenders may be issued a composition sum of up to S$500 (US$375) or prosecuted in court.
They will also be turned back at the checkpoints and not be allowed to proceed with their journey into Malaysia.
CNA
