The Straits Times
3 August 2015

Woodlands Checkpoint jam: ICA replies

We thank Mr Ravi Govindan for his feedback ("Improve system at Woodlands Checkpoint"; last Monday).

Woodlands Checkpoint is one of the busiest land checkpoints in the world, with more than 300,000 travellers passing through daily.

Unlike air and sea traffic which is scheduled, the land traffic situation is dynamic and varies over time. It is also more challenging to manage because of the different types of goods and passenger vehicles crossing our land checkpoints.

We seek the understanding and cooperation of all checkpoint users as stringent security checks are needed to detect and prevent criminals, undesirable persons and prohibited goods from entering or leaving Singapore.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) makes it a point to adjust and calibrate its security measures and processes according to the prevailing security assessment and traffic situation.

For example, more manpower is deployed and additional counters and lanes are opened during peak hours. At other times, security checks need to be tightened.

We appreciate the feedback given by Mr Govindan and will take that into account as we continue to make improvements to our processes at the land checkpoints.

ICA is committed to enhancing checkpoint clearance efficiency while ensuring that we keep our checkpoints and borders secure.

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



<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
27 July 2015

Improve system at Woodlands Checkpoint

I am concerned about the gridlocks in the name of security at Woodlands Checkpoint.

Officers frequently put barriers in front of cars to stop them, creating a jam. Officers also install obstacles that narrow driving lanes. This can result in accidents and spats between drivers.

These gridlocks result in a 400m stretch that becomes a nightmare for motorists. I recently spent 11/2 hours in a holding pattern, where officers reacted only when irate motorists blared their horns.

Idling car engines burn petrol unnecessarily and result in pollution which, in a confined space, is hazardous to the environment and health of the Customs officers. After clearing immigration, motorcyclists and motorists are squeezed into a single lane to head to the exit. This is dangerous to both parties. Why is there such a haphazard traffic system?

There is also a second, random check at the Customs exit. Given that motorists have been known to slip through, I question if this method is the best way to effect security.

Customs officers also tend to stare at motorists as if we are criminals. Surely there are more courteous ways of conveying firmness and vigilance.

Collectively, these shortcomings suggest that the authorities are not thinking out of the box to ensure a modern, efficient and security-tight clearance system.

Changi Airport is a model of courtesy, professionalism and efficiency. Surely Woodlands Checkpoint can do the same.

Ravi Govindan