SINGAPORE: An illegal immigrant was caught trying to sneak out of Singapore by hiding near the emergency exit of a Malaysian tour bus.

It was around 8am and immigration officers were changing shift, when a bus arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint. Officers went on board for routine checks, and noticed a plank which aroused their suspicion.

Upon closer examination, they found a 32-year-old Chinese national hiding under the plank near the emergency exit door. The man put up a struggle when confronted.

Officers also detained the 38-year-old Malaysian bus driver, who claimed no knowledge of the illegal immigrant.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said some 300,000 people pass through the Woodlands Checkpoint daily, and this is the first time someone has tried to sneak out through such means.

Nyan Foong Choo, Deputy Commander, Woodlands Checkpoint, said: "Recently we arrested a PRC hidden in the luggage compartment, but this is the first time we found an illegal immigrant hidden in the emergency exit." - CNA/vm