Heavy traffic expected at Woodlands & Tuas checkpoints for Deepavali long weekend

If you're heading into Malaysia by car over the Deepavali long weekend — Oct. 17 (Friday) to Oct. 20 (Monday) — expect heavy traffic and longer waiting times.

As a gauge, more than 5.8 million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the recent September school holidays from Sep. 5 to 15, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a release.

This led to a peak of over 575,000 travellers on Sep. 5 alone, with cars waiting up to three hours for immigration clearance due to tailbacks from Malaysia.

What drivers can do to beat the jam

ICA said that with the upcoming Deepavali long weekend, and with ICA's intensified checks against e-vaporiser smuggling, travellers can expect longer waiting times to clear immigration.

Drivers should check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints before setting off.

One tip is to use the MyICA mobile app to generate QR codes for passport-less immigration clearance on the Singapore side.

Of course, travellers will still need to have their passports to clear Malaysia's immigration, and for further travel overseas.

Another alternative is to take the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.

Other things to take note of

ICA reminded those driving in Malaysia with foreign vehicles to ensure their Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) is valid.

Drivers without a valid Autopass card, the VEP approval email from the Land Transport Authority (LTA), or valid insurance will be turned back, said ICA.

Drivers with outstanding fines may be denied entry into Singapore.

ICA also warned travellers that vaping and possession of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore.

Short-term visitors who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore.

Long-term pass holders who re-offend may have their passes revoked on a third offence, and may be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.

ICA said it seeks travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers, observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline.

"ICA will not hesitate to take firm action against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions or commit offences at the checkpoints," the release said.

Top image from Caricarz.com/Facebook