Heading to M'sia this long weekend? Expect heavy congestion at Causeway, says ICA
Those planning to head to Malaysia this long weekend should brace themselves for congestion at the Causeway, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Wednesday (April 27).
It expects even more people to cross the land checkpoints this weekend - which will be back-to-back with the Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa public holidays - than the 436,800 travellers over the Good Friday weekend.
Travellers should factor in additional time for immigration clearance and avoid peak hours, ICA added.
Harking back to long weekends before the pandemic, the authority highlighted that wait times were up to four hours for those going to Malaysia via the land checkpoints during the peak of the National Day and Hari Raya Haji long weekends in 2019.
Those arriving by car then also had to wait up to one hour.
The Good Friday weekend that started on April 15 saw long lines at the land checkpoints as traveller numbers hit a new high since the pandemic.
Labour Day falls on Sunday this year, making next Monday a public holiday, followed by Hari Raya Puasa on Tuesday.
ICA said departing traffic is expected to be heavy between 1pm on Friday and 1am on Saturday, and from 5am to 3pm on Saturday.
When entering Singapore, congestion can be expected from 8am on Tuesday to 1am on Wednesday.
ICA said departing traffic is expected to be heavy between Friday and Saturday while arrival lanes could be congested between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The peak periods for departing Singapore are from 1pm on Friday to 1am on Saturday, and from 5am to 3pm on Saturday.
The peak period for arrival in Singapore is from 8am on Tuesday to 1am on Wednesday.
ICA said it will take the necessary measures to facilitate efficient immigration clearance but will not compromise on security.
Traffic police will be stationed at critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints to ensure road discipline and travellers are advised to cooperate with instructions and keep to their lanes.
ICA also reminded departing Singapore-registered car owners to make sure their fuel tanks are three-quarters full before reaching the checkpoints, or risk being turned away.
Travellers must also have passports that are valid, with at least six months before they expire, and the necessary permits.
On May 1, cross-border bus services will resume their routes plying the Causeway and Second Link.
Travellers can take these instead of driving into Malaysia to avoid getting caught in a jam, ICA added.
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