22-2-2024 (SINGAPORE) The Singaporean government is eagerly anticipating Malaysia’s reply regarding the proposed purchase of two plots of land crucial for the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint, a major immigration checkpoint between the two countries. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has confirmed that these two “small plots” of land, currently unused, are located in the middle of the area designated for the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint.
The primary objective of acquiring these plots of land is to optimize the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint, thereby enhancing the immigration clearance experience for travelers crossing the Causeway between Singapore and Malaysia. The ICA revealed that Singapore had already sent two formal letters to Malaysia, one in May 2022 and another in November 2023, proposing the land purchase.
Discussions regarding this matter took place during the Joint Ministerial Committee for Iskandar Malaysia meeting in July 2023 and the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in October 2023. Both sides expressed their commitment to improving the traffic situation at the Causeway crossing. Currently, Singapore is awaiting Malaysia’s response to its proposal.
According to a recent report by Malaysian news agency Bernama, the Malaysian authorities are still deliberating whether to sell the land or initiate a land swap deal, similar to the one conducted in 2010. Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, acknowledged that Singapore had formally requested to purchase the land and mentioned that Malaysia’s relevant authority is currently reviewing the proposal. However, no official feedback has been received thus far.
Azfar further stated that all government land overseas is registered under the Federal Lands Commissioner. The decision regarding the land’s fate rests with the relevant authority in Malaysia.
The redevelopment and expansion of Woodlands Checkpoint are scheduled to commence in 2025. Singapore is committed to enhancing the infrastructure and facilities at the checkpoint to accommodate the increasing number of travelers passing through the Causeway. The successful acquisition of the two plots of land from Malaysia will play a crucial role in realizing this redevelopment project.
