All travellers intending to use the Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints are advised to plan their travel carefully to avoid possible traffic congestion starting from the eve of Hari Raya Haji. The traffic volume at the checkpoints' arrival and departure zones is expected to be heavy during this period. It is expected to start from Thursday evening, 20 Jan 2005 when travellers depart for a short trip in Malaysia and Malaysian visitors arrive by cars after 5pm when the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is waived. This is expected to continue over the weekend when travellers return back to Singapore or Malaysia on Sunday evening, 23 Jan 2005.

2 To avoid the congestion at the checkpoints, travellers are encouraged to car pool or make use of public transport instead.

3 Travellers departing Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints from the LTA's Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE respectively.

4 Travellers can also call the Check-Tips Hotline at 6863-0117 to find out the latest traffic conditions at the arrival and departure sections of Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoints. Now, they can also know the latest traffic conditions via Short Message Service (SMS) by dialing *112. This service is provided by Singtel and more information can be found on the website at http://www.ideas.singtel.com.

5 Checkpoint security is important for a safe and secure Singapore. Security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints have been stepped up to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband. The overriding need to ensure the security of our country may require travellers to put up with a little inconvenience, especially during the coming long weekend. We seek the travellers' understanding and cooperation, as their security is our concern.


IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
18 JAN 2005