The Straits Times
23 April 2023

Measures taken to ensure safe environment for officers and travellers at land checkpoints

We refer to Dr Kanwaljit Soin’s letter, “Look into health impact of pollution caused by long jams at land checkpoints” (April 11). We assure Dr Soin that we are committed to ensuring that the environment at the land checkpoints is as safe and clean as possible for our officers and travellers. 

We have put in place several measures such as regular cleaning of cars and cargo zones during off-peak periods to remove accumulated road dust, and regular maintenance of the ventilation system to remove the fumes generated by vehicles. In addition, the ventilation system at Woodlands Checkpoint has been recently upgraded.

Officers deployed to perform immigration clearance at the car zones work within air-conditioned booths which filter air from the outside. 

Those performing traffic control and vehicular checks outdoors have the option to wear masks to minimise their exposure to air pollutants. 

In recent years, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has also introduced several initiatives to alleviate the traffic situation at the land checkpoints. For example, in 2022, we added 64 automated gates at the immigration bus halls. This has enabled officers to be redeployed to other zones with heavier traffic. Clearance lanes can also be converted for different modes of conveyance, in response to traffic conditions.

At present, there are infrastructure and manpower constraints that limit the extent to which we can further expedite the clearance of traffic. However, in time to come, with the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link and the redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint, we can expect more improvements to the traffic situation and reduction in travel times.
<Original Letter>

The Straits Times
11 April 2023

Look into the health impact of pollution caused by long jams at land checkpoints

It was reported ahead of the long Easter weekend that travellers could expect to take between six and eight hours to get into Malaysia through the Causeway and the Tuas crossing (Heavy traffic towards Malaysia at land checkpoints ahead of long weekend, April 7).

This situation has to change to ensure smooth-flowing traffic at these checkpoints, otherwise the health of Customs and immigration staff directing and inspecting the vehicles for security and contraband reasons will be affected as they are exposed to pollutants daily. Commuters caught in the long jams may also have their health affected.
 
The mixture of vehicle exhaust and secondary air pollutants of small particulate matter, called PM2.5, together with road dust and tyre wear, is referred to as traffic-related air pollution. Exposure to such a mix of air pollutants has been linked to a range of health effects, from adverse birth outcomes to dementia.  

Research published by the American Academy of Neurology in 2023 found that PM2.5 particulate matter in traffic pollution can raise the risk of dementia. Out of 91 million people analysed, 5.5 million developed dementia; those who were diagnosed with the disease had more exposure to traffic than those who did not.

PM2.5 particles are very small and can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, moving into the brain and damaging the brain cells.

This important and preventable environmental determinant of people’s health should come under the ambit of the Healthier SG agenda, with policymakers working with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

Dr Kanwaljit Soin