Labour Day long weekend: Expect heavy traffic, long wait times at land checkpoints
The situation may be similar to recent Good Friday long weekend, with about 1.4 million travellers crossing at Tuas, Woodlands
SINGAPORE — If you are heading to Malaysia over the upcoming Labour Day long weekend, expect heavy traffic and long wait times at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Friday to next Tuesday (28 April to 2 May).
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issued a statement on Thursday (27 April) advising that travellers entering Malaysia by car could face waiting times of up to three hours during peak periods.
It added that the wait times are similar to those before the pandemic and urged those travelling by car or bus to consider a longer wait for immigration clearance.
The recent Good Friday long weekend from 6 to 9 April saw close to 1.4 million travellers crossing the land checkpoints, averaging about 350,000 crossings per day. Long queues of passengers and cars waited to clear departure, coupled with "continuous tailbacks" from Malaysia a day before the start of the long weekend.
ICA has introduced several measures to make immigration clearance faster and easier for travellers while maintaining security.
It has added 64 automated gates at immigration bus halls at land checkpoints last year, allowing more bus passengers to use automated lanes and free up officers to manage traffic congestion in car and motorcycle zones.
In addition, the viaduct leading into Woodlands Checkpoint has been marked with continuous double white lines to prevent drivers from using the motorcycle lane to cut ahead of the car queue.
Enforcement cameras will be used to catch drivers who violate this rule, and they will be fined $150 and receive four demerit points.
Things to note for a smoother journey
Motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints before embarking on their journey.
They can do so via the One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE. They can also get updates through ICA's Facebook and Twitter accounts and local radio broadcasts on Money 89.3, Kiss92, One 91.3, Hao 96.3 and UFM 100.3 stations.
Singapore residents and eligible first-time foreign visitors travelling by bus can clear immigration via the automated lanes at the passenger halls.
Motorists are reminded to refrain from queue cutting, as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists.
Travellers are reminded of the following:
They should ensure their passports are valid for at least six months.
Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports will have to transfer their Re-Entry Permit to the new passport.
Long-term pass holders must notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars.
Short-term visitors, including holders of in-principle approval for long-term pass, are required to submit their Singapore Arrival Card with health declaration within three days prior to their arrival in Singapore.
Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles entering Singapore must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit, the LTA approval email, and an Autopass card.
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