The Straits Time Online
16 October 2015

Order at checkpoints: ICA replies

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is committed to ensuring safe, efficient and orderly immigration clearance at our checkpoints ("More order needed at Woodlands Checkpoint" by Mr Syed Abdul Muneef Syed Muhammad; Forum Online, Oct 12).

Our officers monitor traffic conditions at the checkpoints closely and take necessary measures to balance security priorities while ensuring smooth and orderly clearance for commuters.

For example, during peak hours, when there is a high volume of vehicles and commuters, more officers are deployed to manage the traffic situation.

Checkpoint users can help to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all by observing traffic rules within the checkpoints, and following our officers' guidance to ensure their safety.

Ronnie Tan
Head
Public and Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority


<Original Letter>

The Straits Time Online
12 October 2015

More order needed at Woodlands Checkpoint

Besides Tuas Checkpoint, Woodlands Checkpoint needs improvements as well ("Suggestions to improve Tuas Checkpoint" by Mr Mohamed Yatim Abdul Ghani; Oct 5).

 

Based on my experience crossing into Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint at 5.30am on Oct 5, I made the following observations:

 

- Disorderly motorcyclists tending to rush and cut into others' lanes without queueing.

 

- Excessive revving of engines by motorcyclists so as to squeeze into others' lanes.

 

- Lack of enforcement, leading to a "who dares wins" mentality among some motorcyclists, who were mostly foreign riders.

 

- Other vehicles such as cars, buses and lorries snaking all the way to the other end of the border.

 

- Rampant queue jumping by bus commuters, who leapt over the metal lane dividers.

 

Early on weekday mornings, I have also witnessed some unruliness due to the absence of enforcement personnel, which leaves law-abiding bikers on the losing end.

 

Many bikers who were diverted to the Old Woodlands Checkpoint gates 7 and 8 were unruly and shouted at one another when the congestion got out of control.

 

I would not be surprised if such shouting turned into brawls.

 

I hope more can be done to maintain proper controls at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

 

Syed Abdul Muneef Syed Muhammad