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Response to "'Brighten and liven up Woodlands Checkpoint", (The Straits Times, 24 Dec 2011)

The Straits Times
24 Dec 2011

Woodlands train checkpoint extensively refurbished: ICA

WE THANK Mr David Sia for his feedback ('Brighten and liven up Woodlands Checkpoint'; Dec 14).
The Woodlands train checkpoint was constructed in 1998 to expedite movement of train passengers alighting and boarding trains for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine clearance by the Singapore authorities.
For security reasons and to ensure quick movement for the convenience of train passengers, passengers are encouraged to leave the checkpoint after immigration clearance.
Following the recent relocation of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station operations to the train checkpoint this year, the checkpoint building was extensively refurbished.
As part of the improvements, larger fans have been installed to improve the ventilation at the waiting area for train passengers. Maintenance of the facilities, including the lighting and painting, is also conducted regularly.
In fact, the checkpoint is currently being painted to refresh its appearance.
Information related to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and other agencies, to inform train passengers on the prohibited and controlled items, is displayed on the signboards and standees at various locations within the Woodlands train checkpoint.

Koh Wee Sing
Head, Public & Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority


<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
14 Dec 2011

Brighten and liven up Woodlands Checkpoint

WOODLANDS Checkpoint has assumed a higher profile and significance since the Malayan Railway station in Tanjong Pagar was closed.
But there has been no significant improvement to enliven the ambience and provide support services at the checkpoint.
Walls are a shade too green and boring. Perhaps, some motifs could be added to depict our rich cultural heritage.
Alternatively, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority could work with other agencies on messages to remind travellers of banned items in Singapore.
The structure inside gives the impression of walking through a dungeon when one is rushing for the immigration terminals. Air-conditioners or more fans should be added in the waiting area for those queueing for the next train.
The bus bays should be more brightly lit to liven up the otherwise dull atmosphere.
Restrooms should also be added at the taxi stand outside the building to cater to queueing passengers and those at the train waiting area.
Audio-visual equipment should be used to boost the atmosphere throughout.

David Sia
The Straits Times
24 Dec 2011

Woodlands train checkpoint extensively refurbished: ICA

WE THANK Mr David Sia for his feedback ('Brighten and liven up Woodlands Checkpoint'; Dec 14).
The Woodlands train checkpoint was constructed in 1998 to expedite movement of train passengers alighting and boarding trains for Customs, Immigration and Quarantine clearance by the Singapore authorities.
For security reasons and to ensure quick movement for the convenience of train passengers, passengers are encouraged to leave the checkpoint after immigration clearance.
Following the recent relocation of the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station operations to the train checkpoint this year, the checkpoint building was extensively refurbished.
As part of the improvements, larger fans have been installed to improve the ventilation at the waiting area for train passengers. Maintenance of the facilities, including the lighting and painting, is also conducted regularly.
In fact, the checkpoint is currently being painted to refresh its appearance.
Information related to the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority and other agencies, to inform train passengers on the prohibited and controlled items, is displayed on the signboards and standees at various locations within the Woodlands train checkpoint.

Koh Wee Sing
Head, Public & Internal Communications
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority


<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
14 Dec 2011

Brighten and liven up Woodlands Checkpoint

WOODLANDS Checkpoint has assumed a higher profile and significance since the Malayan Railway station in Tanjong Pagar was closed.
But there has been no significant improvement to enliven the ambience and provide support services at the checkpoint.
Walls are a shade too green and boring. Perhaps, some motifs could be added to depict our rich cultural heritage.
Alternatively, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority could work with other agencies on messages to remind travellers of banned items in Singapore.
The structure inside gives the impression of walking through a dungeon when one is rushing for the immigration terminals. Air-conditioners or more fans should be added in the waiting area for those queueing for the next train.
The bus bays should be more brightly lit to liven up the otherwise dull atmosphere.
Restrooms should also be added at the taxi stand outside the building to cater to queueing passengers and those at the train waiting area.
Audio-visual equipment should be used to boost the atmosphere throughout.

David Sia