To the vigilant Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at Woodlands Checkpoint, illegal “goodbyes” will always be difficult for immigration offenders.

 

2.          On 21 February 2013 at about 12.25am, ICA officers at the Woodlands Checkpoint directed a departing Malaysia-registered car for checks. The car was driven by a lone male driver. When the driver opened the car boot for physical inspection, the officers found a man hiding inside.

 

 

Goodbyes are difficult

3.         The 26-year-old Malaysian driver and the 62-year-old Myanmar national were immediately placed under arrest. They are currently under investigation for the offences.  The vehicle used in the commission of the offences has been detained and is liable for forfeiture.  The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to overstay, enter or depart Singapore illegally. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while the penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

 

4.          Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security.  We have tightened our security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. 

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY

21 FEBRUARY 2013