The authorities are aware of the reports of congestion experienced by cargo drivers on the Second Link on 27 and 28 January 2021. Our agencies have been in very close contact with the affected companies. 

The delays were due to a combination of factors. Cargo volume has returned to pre-COVID levels and with the continued closure of Malaysia’s Bangunan Sultan Iskandar from 7pm to 7am, as well as the upcoming Lunar New Year, the overall cargo volume is now more concentrated at certain times of the day, leading to traffic bunching.

COVID-19 antigen rapid testing (ART) has been progressively rolled out at our land checkpoints since last Friday. The process is integrated into the cargo clearance process to minimise the additional time the drivers have to wait for the results to be processed. 

On 27 January at Tuas Checkpoint, the COVID-19 testing service provider encountered IT technical issues. As a result, they had to fall back on manual verification of ART results, which added to the clearance time. These issues have since been rectified, and further measures have been taken to speed up the flow. 

Companies have reported improved delivery timings from the later part of the day on 28 January 2021. We note the concerns over shipments of live poultry in particular and have been closely monitoring the situation. Delivery times have since improved significantly with minimal delays on 29 January 2021.

We will continue to work closely with the checkpoint users to make the clearance process as smooth as possible. With the expected continued increase in volume in coming weeks, we seek the understanding of companies and users to expect delays and to plan their journey ahead.  

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
29 JANUARY 2021