SINGAPORE: Immigration authorities say the average waiting time at land checkpoints is almost back to pre-Mas Selamat days for cars, motorcycles and buses.

But it is not business as usual yet for truck drivers who still face waits of up to six hours.

The frustrating long waits near the Woodlands Checkpoint due to tightened security checks have been a common sight since the escape of Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari.

But beleaguered immigration officers say they have been putting in incremental measures from week to week to improve the traffic situation.

These include more scanners, additional lanes, more traffic officers and special clearances for school buses.

Four days ago, they re-opened the old Woodlands Checkpoint for lorries to help ease the congestion.

Since the area has not been in use for nine years, it took a few days for it to be operational again, with temporary tents.

Asked why this option was not used earlier, given the ultra-long queues, ICA Commissioner Eric Tan Chong Sian said: "Our officers have been busy, have been trying to innovate, have been trying to make sure that we can alleviate the congestion and the situation outside the checkpoint. The old Woodlands Checkpoint is something we did think about and as soon as we can do the trial run, we did it. "

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) says the average waiting times now are: one hour for cars and buses, one and a half hours for motorcycles and two to six hours for lorries.

The checks on trucks at the old Woodlands Checkpoint are usually conducted at super-peak period. This is anytime from about 4pm and lasts till about 10pm or 11pm.

"This is stressful for us drivers," said driver. "Before the escape (of Mas Selamat), it took us just two hours to reach home. After the escape, 7-8, even 12 hours. (Now) it's reduced (to) 5-6 hours, sometimes just 3-4 hours."

Delays means costs for businesses. ICA has been in dialogue with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI).

They have agreed to expedite the clearing process for some empty trucks departing for Malaysia, and are exploring a special clearing lane for them at the old Woodlands Checkpoint.

One group that will get special clearance are truck drivers who spend eight to 10 hours on the road to bring ducks from Perak to Singapore.

They will be given special clearance when they leave Singapore in their empty trucks, so that they can get sufficient rest before they start the long journey back to Singapore with their load of livestock.

On its part, the SCCCI is in talks with its Johor counterparts to see if Malaysian customs can extend its operation hours beyond the 11pm closing time.

Singapore customs operates 24 hours. - CNA/ir