KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore has cautioned travellers to be prepared for heavy traffic at land checkpoints in view of the Wesak Day public holiday this week and the start of the June school holidays.
The republic’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said heavy traffic was expected at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints before and during the holiday period from tomorrow till Sunday. Wesak Day falls on Wednesday.
Heavy congestion is also expected due to increased security measures following the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor Bahru last Friday.
“With the stepped-up security measures at the checkpoints due to the heightened threat situation, travellers should expect delays and factor in additional time for immigration clearance. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with ICA officers,” the ICA said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Singapore’s Home Ministry told travellers to expect delays at checkpoints and to factor in additional time needed for immigration clearance.
This is in view of a heightened threat situation following Friday’s attack on Malaysian soil, and as the ministry continues to monitor global and regional security developments.
Friday’s predawn attack by a lone assailant on the Ulu Tiram police station killed two police officers and injured another, who shot dead the attacker.
Police have arrested and obtained remand orders for five family members of the assailant, including the father, whom police said was formerly active with terror group Jemaah Islamiyah. Two university students whom police suspect acted as decoys prior to the attack have also been arrested. – May 20, 2024