Cater For Longer Travelling Times Across Singapore-Malaysia Borders Next Week
If you have plans to head to Malaysia for the Qing Ming Festival or the Good Friday long weekend, brace yourself for heavy traffic.
This morning (30 Mar), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) released an advisory to preempt commuters about potentially long travelling times across the Singapore-Malaysia land borders next week.
It also urged them to comply with customs requirements and regulations for smoother journeys.
Long travelling times expected at land borders
ICA is expecting heavy traffic at both the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints between 3 Apr and 11 Apr.
Heavy traffic during this period is a repeating phenomenon that has always plagued the checkpoints.
According to ICA, over one million travellers crossed the land checkpoints during the Good Friday long weekend in 2019.
Source: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website
The latest anticipated surge in traveller numbers comes on account of the upcoming Qing Ming Festival and Good Friday long weekend.
ICA added that it expects continuous tailbacks for departure traffic from the Causeway. It thus advised travellers to factor in additional time for immigration clearance.
As a guideline, the average waiting time for motorists travelling by car in 2019 during the same period was about three hours.
Source: Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority on Facebook
In light of the situation, ICA recommended that individuals postpone non-essential trips to avoid getting caught in the congestion.
Before embarking on their journeys, motorists can check the traffic situation at checkpoints through the OneMotoring website.
They may also look out for notices on the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).
Source: Land Transport Authority website
ICA will be providing intermittent updates on prevailing traffic conditions through their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Additionally, local radio stations Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3, and UFM 100.3 will be broadcasting live traffic updates.
Comply with requirements for a smoother journey
In its advisory, ICA also urged commuters to abide by checkpoint requirements.
Singapore residents and eligible first-time foreign visitors travelling by bus are encouraged to clear immigration via the automated lanes at the passenger halls.
Source: Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website
If you’re intending to brave the heavy traffic, make sure to take note of these requirements before starting your journey:
- Passports should have a remaining validity of at least six months
- Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should transfer their Re-Entry Permit to the new document
- Long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any changes in their passport particulars
- Proactively declare dutiable or controlled items before officers do checks
- Departing travellers driving Singapore-registered cars must observe the “three-quarter tank” rule
Be patient & courteous on the road
In the advisory, ICA warned commuters against queue-cutting as this could result in severe congestion. It could also compromise the safety of other motorists.
It shared that it will continue to facilitate immigration clearance without compromising security.
ICA asked commuters for their understanding and also urged them to be patient, observe traffic rules, and cooperate with officers on-site.
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Featured image adapted from OneMotoring, for illustration purposes only.
