Checkpoint breach should have been dealt with ‘more urgently and decisively’: DPM Teo

SINGAPORE — The breach at Woodlands Checkpoint, which resulted in the trespassing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (Jan 20), could have had “more serious consequences” and “should have been prevented and dealt with more urgently and decisively”, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

“I have expressed my dissatisfaction to the Commissioner of ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) and the Commissioner of Police over the breach at Woodlands Checkpoint and the subsequent response actions,” said Mr Teo, who is also Minister for Home Affairs.

"I have directed the Commissioners to report to me the corrective actions they are taking, and recommend appropriate action to be taken against officers who have not discharged their duties properly,” added Mr Teo.

The Police and ICA today said a 27-year-old Malaysian woman, with a history of mental illness, had been arrested at the MFA for criminal trespass.

The woman had entered Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint in a Malaysian-registered car last Friday (Jan 17), and managed to leave the checkpoint without being stopped as officers-in-charge did not immediately raise the alarm. Yesterday, the woman entered the MFA without authorisation and was arrested.

The woman driver is currently under Police custody and investigations are on-going. She is also being investigated for immigration evasion.