Defer non-essential travel to JB if possible, due to 'very heavy' traffic expected: ICA

Defer non-essential travel to Johor Bahru if possible, said the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

This is in the light of "continuous heavy traffic" expected over the weekend at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.

Arrival and departure traffic at both checkpoints have been heavier than usual due to the March school holidays, with departing travellers made to wait over two hours for immigration clearance, ICA said in a Mar. 21 Facebook post.

The situation has also worsened due to the monsoon surge.

Travellers who still wish to continue with the journeys are advised to check the traffic conditions beforehand, and refer to ICA's Facebook page for updates.

Motorists are also cautioned to avoid queue-cutting, as reduced visibility due to the rain has led to road accidents over the past two days.

Long queue

Heavy congestion during the March school holidays are a perennial issue.

Before the holidays began, ICA issued a warning of expected heavy traffic, and wait times of up to three hours for departing car travellers.

On the first day of the holidays, queues of over two hours formed at Woodlands Checkpoint.

Heavy rain over the past two days further slowed traffic.

On Mar. 19, bus bays at the JB immigration complex were crowded as heavy rain worsened congestion at the checkpoints.

A woman reportedly fainted while waiting in line, while quarrels broke out between commuters.

Top image from Onemotoring