On 5 July 2025 at around 3am, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Search and Examination (S&E) officers profiled and directed a departing Malaysia-registered car for further checks at Woodlands Checkpoint. The car was driven by a 20-year-old Malaysian man. 

2.          During the course of checks, ICA officers found two Malaysian men, aged 30 and 31, hiding in the car boot. Both were not in possession of any travel document. The driver and the two Malaysian men were placed under arrest and charged in court on 5 July 2025.

3.          The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to enter or depart Singapore illegally and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders for such cases. Under the Immigration Act 1959, the penalties for illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months and a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while penalties for illegal departure are a fine up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. For engaging in the business of conveying prohibited immigrants out of Singapore, offenders will face a jail term of between two to five years and a minimum of three strokes of the cane. The vehicles used in such offences are liable to be forfeited.

4.          Commander of Woodlands Checkpoint, Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan said, “This detection is a clear reflection of our officers’ dedication and vigilance in safeguarding Singapore’s borders. ICA remains committed to conducting thorough security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to deter and prevent the smuggling of undesirable persons and prohibited items, including drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband.”

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
8 JULY 2025

Photos

The Malaysia-registered car directed for further checks. (Photo: ICA)

Two Malaysian men, aged 30 and 31, found hiding in the car boot. (Photo: ICA)