The report said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) had announced, on March 17, stricter checks at the checkpoints that included fingerprint scans for all travellers except children and full inspections of all vehicles entering and leaving Singapore. This is clearly wrong and puzzling.

Fingerprint scans had already been in place since Feb 27 and The Straits Times Interactive reported on it on March7 in 'Crossing the Causeway? Passports, please - and fingerprints'. All vehicles leaving Singapore had already been subject to 100 per cent checks since Feb 27 - the day Mas Selamat Kastari escaped.

While ICA maintains tight security checks, we recognise there are inconveniences. We will continue to take measures to improve clearance efficiency without compromising security. We have introduced measures such as dedicated lanes for school buses to expedite clearance of students living in Johor and studying in Singapore. We have enlarged the operating area for radiographic scanning and inspections, so more lorries can be checked at the same time. Also, as an amenity to drivers, portable toilets have been made available along the way to the land checkpoints.

With enhanced security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, particularly when a large number of travellers want to use the checkpoints at the same time. Travellers can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by adjusting their travel plans to avoid peak periods, abiding by traffic rules and observing lane discipline. Travellers are also encouraged to car-pool or use public transport. Lorries have also re-routed to use Tuas instead of Woodlands checkpoint, and this is an option drivers can use to alleviate congestion further.

Travellers are also reminded to ensure they are carrying their own passports before immigration clearance at the checkpoints. ICA has encountered cases where travellers presented the wrong passports for immigration clearance and this has affected clearance efficiency and caused inconvenience to other travellers.

Singapore's security is our utmost concern. We seek the public's continued understanding and cooperation in our efforts to keep our nation safe and secure.

Eunice Chu (Ms)
Deputy Director, Corporate Communications Division
For Commissioner, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

TRAVELLERS CAN HELP

Trav

ellers can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by adjusting their travel plans to avoid peak periods, abiding by traffic rules and observing lane discipline. Travellers are also encouraged to car-pool or use public transport.