SINGAPORE, April 18 (NNN-CNA) — Heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints is expected during the upcoming Muslim Syawal weekend, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
With Syawal festivities falling on Saturday, traffic is expected to be heavy from Thursday to next Monday. Travellers departing or entering by car or bus are advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance.
ICA noted that traffic flow through both checkpoints has returned to pre-COVID levels during peak hours.
During the festivities long weekend in 2018, more than 1.5 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints, averaging about 380,000 crossings per day.
Waiting time for travellers departing by car to clear Singapore’s land checkpoints was up to three hours, said ICA, adding that motorists also faced continuous tailbacks from Malaysia’s checkpoints.
This resulted in queues extending beyond the Seletar Expressway (SLE) for the Woodlands Checkpoint and along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) for the Tuas Checkpoint.
“ICA anticipates similar heavy traffic situation at both land checkpoints in the lead-up to and during the Syawal celebrations weekend,” the authority said.
Motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and AYE.
They can also get updates through ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as local radio broadcasts on Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3 and UFM 100.3.
Singapore residents and eligible first-time foreign visitors travelling by bus are encouraged to use the automated lanes at the passenger halls to clear immigration.
Motorists are reminded to avoid queue cutting as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists, said ICA.
“They are advised to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site. ICA works closely with traffic police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions and roads leading to the land checkpoints,” it added.
Travellers are also reminded to make sure that their passport has a remaining validity of six months, said ICA.
Permanent residents who have renewed their passports will have to transfer their re-entry permit to the new passport.
Long-term pass holders, who hold Employment Passes, S passes, Work Permits, Student’s Passes, Long-Term Visit Passes and Dependant’s Passes, will need to notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars.
For short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term passes, they are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card with their health declaration within three days before their arrival in Singapore.
Due to the high volume of traffic and daily commuting for employment and studies, Singapore residents are exempted from submitting a health declaration if they are returning to the country via the land checkpoints. However, they will have to do so if they enter Singapore via sea or air checkpoints.
ICA also strongly advised travellers to submit their arrival cards via the MyICA mobile app to avoid being misled by commercial entities and websites providing such services for a fee.
Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit, the LTA approval email, and an Autopass card.
ICA also reminded travellers not to bring in prohibited items.
“Those bringing in dutiable or controlled items such as tobacco products must proactively declare them to our officers prior to being checked,” said ICA.
Departing travellers driving Singapore-registered cars are reminded to observe the “three-quarter tank” rule. Offenders may be issued with a composition sum of up to S$500 (US$375) or prosecuted in court.
They will be turned back at the checkpoints, and not allowed to proceed with their journey into Malaysia.
“ICA will continue to facilitate immigration clearance and improve travellers’ experience without compromising security,” said ICA.
“ICA seeks travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints.” — NNN-CNA
