Expect heavy traffic at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during Vesak Day, June school holidays

SINGAPORE: There will likely be very heavy traffic at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints in the coming weeks, as more travellers are expected to cross the Singapore-Malaysia land border during the Vesak Day public holiday and June school holidays. 

In addition, heightened security measures are in place in the wake of the attack at a Johor police station that killed two police officers. 

The land border crossings between Singapore and Malaysia are among the busiest in the world. 

During the recent Good Friday long weekend from Mar 28 to Apr 1, close to 2.3 million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Monday (May 20).

This was an increase of close to 30 per cent compared with the same Good Friday long weekend period in 2023. 

During peak periods, those travelling by car had to wait up to three hours before they were cleared through immigration, due to traffic tailback from Malaysia, said ICA.

"With the stepped-up security measures at the checkpoints due to the heightened threat situation, travellers should expect delays and factor in additional time for immigration clearance," the agency added.

"We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with ICA officers."

INTERMITTENT MOTORCYCLE LANE CLOSURES

The motorcycle lane on the Johor Causeway will also be closed intermittently until Jun 5 to facilitate works for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.

This will affect lanes both ways - Singapore and Malaysia-bound. 

The Singapore-bound closures will take place from 8pm to 3am, while the Malaysia-bound closures will be from 10pm to 5am.

Riders will be diverted to another lane during the closures.

Road users are advised to follow the traffic signs and the instructions of the traffic controller during the lane closures, said Malaysia's rail operator MRT Corp.

Construction of the 4km RTS Link has seen roughly 65 per cent of structural works on the Singapore side done, while the project has also reached 65 per cent completion on Malaysia's end, as reported in January.

The RTS Link is expected to start passenger service by the end of 2026.

THINGS TO TAKE NOTE OF

ICA reminded travellers to ensure that their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months. Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should ensure that their re-entry permits have been transferred to their new passports.

Long-term pass holders should notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore.

People travelling by car are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster immigration clearance, said ICA.

Drivers of foreign vehicles should ensure that their Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) are still valid as those without a valid Autopass card, a VEP approval email from LTA or valid insurance will be turned back.

ICA added that drivers of foreign vehicles with outstanding fines with government agencies should settle these payments before entering Singapore as those with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.

Motorists should avoid cutting the queue as it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other drivers. 

"Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue," ICA said.