The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has issued a travel advisory warning of significant traffic congestion at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming June school holidays and the Hari Raya Haji weekend.
According to the ICA, travellers should prepare for “very heavy” traffic between May 31 and June 29, with the Hari Raya Haji period from June 6 to 9 expected to be particularly congested.
To mitigate delays, the authority is advising travellers to monitor traffic conditions before embarking on their journeys. Those crossing into Johor, Malaysia, are also encouraged to consider cross-border bus services as an alternative to private vehicles.
In a statement, the ICA urged cooperation at checkpoints:
“We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules, and maintain lane discipline. ICA will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints.”
The advisory follows a surge in cross-border traffic during the Vesak Day long weekend from May 8 to 13, when over three million travellers used the land checkpoints. On May 9 alone, more than 546,000 individuals crossed the border in a single day, leading to wait times of up to three hours for immigration clearance.
Key Reminders for Travellers
To ensure a smoother experience at the checkpoints, ICA issued several reminders:
Passport Validity: Ensure that passports have a remaining validity of at least six months.
Real-Time Updates: Motorists should check live traffic updates at the land checkpoints before starting their journey.
Lane Discipline: Drivers are reminded to observe traffic regulations and avoid queue-cutting, which contributes to severe congestion and poses safety risks. Offending motorists will be turned away and required to rejoin the back of the queue.
QR Code Clearance: Bus passengers are encouraged to use QR codes for faster processing at automated lanes and Special Assistance Lanes (SAL) in the bus halls.
Travellers are advised to plan ahead, remain patient, and follow all guidelines to ensure a safe and efficient journey across the border during the peak travel season.
