Singapore-Johor Checkpoints See Jostling Crowds As Deepavali Long Weekend Begins
Earlier this month, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warned travellers of possible heavy traffic at land checkpoints connecting Singapore and Johor Bahru (JB).
Judging from recent footage at those places, the ICA couldn’t be more accurate.
As the Deepavali long weekend kicked off on Friday (21 Oct) evening, throngs of people were seen squeezed together as they attempted to cross the Causeway into JB.
Source: Facebook
The swelling crowds spilt over onto the road as long lines of motorcyclists formed on the way to the Malaysian customs building.
Checkpoints crowded with commuters as Deepavali weekend begins
In a viral video shared at about 10.40pm on Friday (21 Oct) night, a large crowd of pedestrians appeared stuck at a particular area at the JB checkpoint.
Footage showed travellers jostling with one another as they attempted to make their way up an escalator to the main hall.
Source: Facebook
Even though customs officers were on site to maintain order, the voices of the shoving crowd seemed to drown out their cries.
Source: Facebook
Another commuter shared a POV video showing what it was like to be among the tightly-packed crowd.
The chaos didn’t end there, as travellers found themselves among yet another large crowd at the main hall, queuing to clear customs.
Source: Facebook
The congestion at the sprawling hall apparently started as early as 7pm that day.
Motorcyclists were also not spared from the massive jam as clips show long lines of bikes queuing at the checkpoint.
Source: Facebook
Crowded situation continues the next morning
The heavy traffic continued the next day, with a seemingly endless stream of vehicles lining the Causeway in the morning.
Source: YouTube
The ICA even issued an advisory at 7.25am, warning of delays at Woodlands Checkpoint.
Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
Since the long weekend lasts till Monday (24 Oct), we’re sure more people are still planning to cross the border.
If you’re one of them, make sure to plan your trip as thoroughly as possible.
More importantly, stay safe while travelling, so you’ll reach your destination and back home in one piece.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
