The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore has announced that travellers should prepare for heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from 21 May to 23 June 2024. This period includes the Vesak Day public holiday on May 22 and the June school holidays.
In a statement released on May 20, the ICA attributed the expected delays to increased security measures in response to the heightened threat situation. These measures, put in place following an attack on a police station in Ulu Tiram, Johor, on May 17, include enhanced checks and increased patrols at the checkpoints.
The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted these security enhancements on May 18, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Travellers are advised to allocate extra time for immigration clearance due to these intensified procedures.
Image: MustShareNews
Historically, traffic surges at the land checkpoints during public holidays and school breaks. Over the Good Friday long weekend from March 28 to April 1, nearly 2.3 million travellers crossed the checkpoints, averaging over 455,000 daily crossings. This marked a near 30 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. At peak times, car travellers faced waits of up to three hours due to traffic congestion from Malaysia.
To mitigate congestion, the ICA urges motorists to monitor traffic conditions and avoid cutting queues, which can exacerbate delays and pose risks to other drivers. Motorists caught queue-cutting will be turned away and required to re-queue.
Image: The Straits Times/Gin Tay
For a faster and more convenient immigration process, the ICA recommends that car travellers use QR codes instead of passports where possible.
By planning ahead and adhering to the guidelines, travellers can help ensure smoother journeys during this busy period.
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