Singapore witnessed an unprecedented surge in cross-border travel on March 28, as more than half a million travelers made their way through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints connecting Singapore-Malaysia. This remarkable influx marked the highest recorded number of travelers using the land checkpoints in a single day.
Record-Breaking Traffic at the Border
The Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reported that a staggering 510,000 travelers successfully cleared immigration at both the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. This surge occurred just ahead of the Good Friday long weekend, a time when many people embark on leisure trips or visit family and friends.
Continuous Tailbacks and Vehicular Queues
Throughout the day, the checkpoints experienced continuous tailbacks originating from Malaysia. At the Woodlands Checkpoint, vehicular queues extended beyond the Seletar Expressway (SLE), causing delays for departing motorists. Similarly, at the Tuas Checkpoint, tailbacks from Malaysia reached the 2nd Link Bridge. The sheer volume of travelers created a challenging situation for border authorities and commuters alike.
Traffic Outlook for the Weekend
As the Good Friday holiday approached, the ICA issued a warning that traffic would remain very heavy on Friday and Saturday. Departing motorists were advised to expect delays of up to three hours or more. The situation was particularly acute at the Woodlands Checkpoint, where departure car queues stretched beyond the Woodlands Ave 3 exit 10A. Meanwhile, at the Tuas Checkpoint, the departure car queues receded but remained significant.
Accident on the Causeway
Adding to the congestion, an accident occurred on the Causeway in the direction of Johor Bahru. The incident temporarily blocked one out of three lanes, affecting travelers planning to depart Singapore via the Woodlands Checkpoint. However, by approximately 5:55 PM, the accident site was cleared, and all lanes of the Causeway were operational again.
Return Traffic Expected
While the departure traffic was intense, the ICA also anticipated heavy arrival traffic on March 31. Travelers who had left Singapore were expected to return, contributing to the overall congestion. Those using the land checkpoints were advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance.
Seeking Cooperation and Patience
The ICA emphasized the importance of travelers’ understanding and cooperation during this busy period. Commuters were urged to:
- Be Patient: Long queues and delays are inevitable, so patience is essential.
- Observe Traffic Rules: Adhering to traffic regulations ensures smoother flow at the checkpoints.
- Maintain Lane Discipline: Staying in designated lanes helps prevent bottlenecks.
- Cooperate with Officers: Following instructions from checkpoint officers ensures efficient processing.
As Singapore and Malaysia continue to foster strong ties, the efficient management of cross-border travel remains crucial. The record-breaking number of travelers on March 28 highlights the significance of these land checkpoints in facilitating regional mobility and connectivity.
