Home briefs: Expect delays at ICA checkpoints

Expect delays at ICA checkpoints

About 430,000 travellers are expected to use the Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints over the upcoming festive peak period, said the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

It urged travellers heading to Malaysia for the Chinese New Year holiday to plan their trips carefully and expect delays. The first day of Chinese New Year falls on Feb 8.

Traffic volume at both checkpoints is expected to build up from Feb 4 and continue till Feb 14, it added.

The ICA also warned that security checks to prevent potential threats to Singapore mean that traffic build-up is inevitable.

Motorists are advised to check on the traffic situation at either checkpoint before embarking on their journey.


Step to combat human trafficking

Singapore has ratified the Asean Convention against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (Actip), marking another step by the Republic to combat human trafficking.

The Actip was signed by Asean leaders at the 27th Asean Summit in November. It is a legally binding instrument that seeks to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons, protect victims and promote cooperation among Asean member states.

The Instrument of Ratification was deposited with the Asean Secretary-General by Singapore's Permanent Representative to Asean, Mr Tan Hung Seng, on Monday.

This ratification follows Singapore's earlier accession to the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children(Untip Protocol) on Sept 28.


NTUC helps pioneers save $4.1m

Pioneers have saved $4.1 million at NTUC outlets in a 15-month programme that ended last month, NTUC Social Enterprises announced yesterday.

NTUC's Pioneers OK! package, launched in October 2014, offered seniors special Monday discounts of 3 per cent at FairPrice outlets, 6.5 per cent at Unity pharmacies and 12 per cent at NTUC Foodfare.

NTUC Social Enterprises said these Pioneer Monday discounts would continue to be offered at these places this year.

Pioneers will also continue to get preferential treatment at the stores and foodcourts, such as priority queues and seats.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 27, 2016, with the headline Home briefs: Expect delays at ICA checkpoints. Subscribe