21-5-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s decision to increase security at border crossings with Malaysia has resulted in significant traffic congestion on the Causeway and Second Link, with motorists facing delays of two to three hours, especially during peak times around 4 pm.
The stringent checks were implemented shortly after the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station on May 17, leading to massive traffic jams.
Ali Hassan, a 57-year-old driver, expressed his frustration with the extensive vehicle inspections that began on Sunday morning. “Why carry out such checks, causing so much inconvenience to the public? I was stuck in a jam at the Causeway for four hours on Sunday,” Hassan said, comparing the current situation to the heightened security following the escape of Jemaah Islamiah leader Mas Selamat Kastari in 2008. He voiced concerns about the potential for even worse congestion over the weekend.
Kumar, a 42-year-old motorcyclist, also experienced significant delays. “Even motorcyclists were thoroughly checked. A lot of enforcement officers from the police, customs, and immigration were at the Singapore checkpoints,” Kumar reported, adding that he feared the situation would deteriorate further during the upcoming Singapore school holidays from May 25 to June 23. He noted that immigration clearance on the Malaysian side was proceeding smoothly.
Tan, a daily commuter who travels by bus to Singapore, described the worsening traffic since Sunday. “There were thousands of people stuck as the buses were unable to cross the Causeway due to the jam,” she said, expressing hope for an improvement in the congestion soon.
The increased security measures come in response to the early morning attack on the Ulu Tiram police station, where a 21-year-old man killed two policemen and injured another before being fatally shot.
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement that security measures, including at its checkpoints, had been heightened following the attack. The ministry advised travellers to expect delays due to the enhanced checks and to allow extra time for immigration clearance.
“In view of the heightened threat situation and the fact that the Malaysian police are looking for several other Jemaah Islamiah members, we had earlier today (May 18) stepped up security measures, including at our checkpoints,” the ministry stated. “These measures include increased patrols and enhanced checks on travellers and conveyances. Travellers should expect delays at the checkpoints due to enhanced checks and factor in additional time needed for immigration clearance.”
