2 men, aged 30 & 31, found hiding in boot of car trying to leave S'pore at 3am

A Malaysia-registered car driven by a 20-year-old Malaysian man was profiled and directed for further checks at Woodlands Checkpoint on Jul. 5 at around 3am.

The car was departing Singapore.

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers subsequently found two Malaysian men, aged 30 and 31, hiding in the car boot during checks.

Both were not in possession of any travel document.

The driver and the two Malaysian men were arrested and charged in court on Jul. 5.

ICA said it takes a serious view of attempts to enter or depart Singapore illegally and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders for such cases.

Commander of Woodlands Checkpoint, Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan said: “This detection is a clear reflection of our officers’ dedication and vigilance in safeguarding Singapore’s borders. ICA remains committed to conducting thorough security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to deter and prevent the smuggling of undesirable persons and prohibited items, including drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband.”

Penalties

The penalties for illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months and a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while penalties for illegal departure are a fine up to S$2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.

For engaging in the business of conveying prohibited immigrants out of Singapore, offenders will face a jail term of between two to five years and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.

The vehicles used in such offences are liable to be forfeited.

Top photos via ICA