Straits Times Online

31 May 2014

Continuing process to improve traffic situation at checkpoints

 

WE THANK Mr Patrick Low ("Install electronic vehicle screening machine at Causeway") and Mr Albert Wong Kwan Wei ("Computer system causing jams at Woodlands Checkpoint") for their Forum Online feedback on May 22.

 

We note their suggestions to install an electronic vehicle screening machine and to upgrade our computer system.

 

We assure them that the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) regularly reviews and refines its systems to meet the operational needs at the checkpoints. This includes leveraging technology to provide innovative solutions so that our processes remain effective and efficient.

 

We monitor the traffic situation closely and make adjustments accordingly to ensure smooth clearance without compromising security.

 

For example, cargo lanes are utilised for the clearance of cars whenever possible. Additional capacity is also added to Woodlands Checkpoint during peak periods, to facilitate clearance.

 

At Singapore's first line of defence, security at our checkpoints is of utmost importance to the ICA. We appreciate the writers' patience and understanding of the daily challenges that our checkpoint officers face. We will continue to make necessary adjustments to ensure smooth clearance.

 

Vincent Ng

Head, Public & Internal Communications

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

 

 

<Original Letter>

 

Straits Times Online

22 May 2014

 

Install electronic vehicle screening machine at Causeway

 

ON SUNDAY morning, I was returning to Singapore via the Causeway and it took about 20 minutes for me to clear immigration, after which I proceeded to the Customs section to have my car boot checked.

 

The lane ahead was deserted, with not a single car ahead of me. There was an officer standing in front who did not give any hand signals for me to stop.

 

I continued to drive thinking the inspection point was ahead. But when I realised the lane ahead was still deserted, I slowed down and came to a halt.

 

At this point, a siren went off and a group of officers rushed up to my car and demanded to know why I had not stopped. I told them that I had halted but they were not satisfied with my answer. I had to surrender my car keys and passport and proceed to the Customs office for questioning.

 

I was questioned by several officers, had my thumb prints scanned and my statement recorded by a police officer. Later, I was led to my car, which was surrounded by several officers, and told to observe the search procedure.

 

A sniffer dog was led out by an officer, who instructed it to jump into the boot and the back seat, after which it went round the car to sniff at the bumper, tyres and exhaust pipe.

 

Thank goodness the dog did not give even a whimper and it was led away, only to be followed by another sniffer dog, which repeated the procedure.

 

The inspection ended and I was led back to the office, where I was questioned by a Central Narcotics Bureau officer.

 

The superintendent who was in charge handled the case well. She told me the officer who had not motioned for me to stop had been counselled and that his lapse was due to tiredness. She was kind enough to offer to buy me breakfast, which I declined.

 

After one final electronic screening of the whole vehicle, I was allowed to go. By then, it was 8am and the whole incident had taken up three hours of my time.

 

There is a need to install an electronic screening machine at the checkpoint. Relying on humans to manually check the 130,000 vehicles that pass through Woodlands Checkpoint each day is bound to result in lapses due to exhaustion.

 

I do not hold any grievance against the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. In fact, I wish to compliment its officers for their thoroughness and transparency in the way they carried out their work. What needs to be reformed is the system, and the sooner it is done, the better.

 

Patrick Low