SINGAPORE — Drivers can expect heavy traffic and possible wait times of up to three hours at the land checkpoints over the upcoming Hari Raya Puasa long weekend, with traffic expected to be heavy between April 20 and 24. 

In a statement on Tuesday (April 18), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said  that the traffic situation is anticipated to be similar to 2018 — the last time before the Covid-19 pandemic that Hari Raya Puasa fell on a long weekend.

Over that weekend, more than 1.5 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints, averaging about 380,000 crossings a day. The waiting time for travellers departing Singapore by car was up to three hours then.

Other than the long waiting times for cars, there were also "continuous tailbacks" from Malaysia’s checkpoints for departing motorists.

This resulted in vehicular queues extending beyond the Seletar Expressway for Woodlands Checkpoint and along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) for Tuas Checkpoint.

ICA said that it anticipates a "similar heavy traffic situation" at both land checkpoints in the lead-up to and during the Hari Raya Puasa weekend.

"Those who wish to depart to Malaysia or enter Singapore via the land checkpoints by car or bus are advised to factor in additional waiting time for immigration clearance." 

Traffic flow through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints has returned to pre-Covid-19 levels during peak hours, ICA added.

During the Good Friday long weekend earlier this month, close to 1.4 million travellers cleared through both checkpoints, and more than 235,000 travellers departed Singapore through these checkpoints on April 6. 

ICA also said that before embarking on their journey, motorists should monitor the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the One Motoring website of the Land Transport Authority, or via the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System installed along the Bukit Timah Expressway and AYE.

Motorists may also get updates through ICA’s social media accounts and from radio broadcasts. 

Singapore residents and eligible first-time foreign visitors, including Malaysians, who are travelling by bus can also clear immigration via the automated lanes at the passenger halls, and there is no need for a separate enrolment process to use the automated lanes.

ICA also reminded motorists to refrain from queue cutting because it can cause severe congestion and compromise the safety of other motorists.

"They are advised to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site," it added.

"ICA works closely with Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions and roads leading to the land checkpoints." 

The authority said that it has introduced several initiatives to alleviate the traffic situation.

For instance, it has introduced 64 more automated gates at the immigration bus halls at the land checkpoints, which allow more bus travellers to clear immigration through the automated lanes.

This will also allow more officers to be deployed to areas at the car and motorcycle zones, which "require more support to manage traffic congestions", it added.

"ICA seeks travellers’ understanding and cooperation to be patient, observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline, and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints."