Travellers going to Malaysia this upcoming Labour Day weekend are to expect heavy traffic flow at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, particularly from Friday, 28 April to Monday.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) informed on a news release that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays and should take note of this advisory.
ICA informed also that the BioScreen system has been implemented at the passenger halls of Singapore’s land checkpoints to capture the thumbprints of travellers. With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when a large number of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time.
To avoid a surge of travellers and vehicles seeking clearance at the land checkpoints, travellers are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible.
Travellers are also reminded to check and ensure that they are using their own passports with a remaining validity of six months or more before setting off on their journey.
There have been instances of Singaporeans presenting wrong passports or passports which have been reported lost for immigration clearance. Such cases will lead to delays and cause inconvenience to the passport holders and other checkpoints users.
These passports can no longer be used for travelling even if they are found subsequently. These passports will be cancelled by ICA, and any attempt to use them is an offence under the Passports Act and may be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Recovered passports must be surrendered to the ICA within 14 days to prevent abuse by persons with ill-intent. Failure to surrender the recovered passport is an offence under the Passports Regulations and may be punished by a fine of up to $3,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both.
ICA adviced motorists to check the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey. Travellers leaving Singapore by Woodlands or Tuas checkpoint will be able to know in advance the traffic situation from LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the AYE and BKE respectively.
More traffic information can be accessed at:
- Traffic information hotline at 6863-0117;
- The radio for the latest traffic conditions; or
- LTA’s One Motoring website or SG portal.
The ICA will continue to take necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security, the release said, “ICA seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation when using the land checkpoints during the peak periods.”
