2-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) On June 1, close to 250,000 travellers departed from Singapore through the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints, marking the highest number since the reopening of the land borders, according to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The surge in departures was attributed to the Vesak Day long weekend and the June school holidays, stated the ICA.
However, the ICA also noted that continuous tailbacks from Malaysia at the Woodlands Checkpoint resulted in vehicular queues extending beyond the Seletar Expressway. As a result, heavy traffic is expected to persist at both land checkpoints, with continuous tailbacks from Malaysia’s checkpoints for departing motorists, warned the ICA.
Travellers planning to depart to Malaysia or enter Singapore via the land checkpoints by car or bus are advised to take into account additional waiting time for immigration clearance. The ICA urged travellers to exercise patience, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints.
In an announcement on their Facebook page, the ICA revealed the implementation of a “no right turn” rule for drivers seeking to enter Woodlands Checkpoint from Woodlands Centre Road. Drivers were advised to find alternative routes to Woodlands Checkpoint, such as the Bukit Timah Expressway or Woodlands Road. Additionally, drivers were reminded to adhere to lane discipline and cooperate with officers performing traffic control duties at the checkpoint.
During the Good Friday long weekend in March, nearly 1.4 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints, with an average of approximately 350,000 crossings per day. The recent surge in departures highlights the increased mobility of individuals as travel restrictions are gradually eased, allowing for more movement across the land borders.
