A motorist alleged to have breached a security barrier at Woodlands Checkpoint was remanded for psychiatric assessment on Monday.

Malaysian Tan Chu Seng, 64, was charged with committing a rash act and vandalism last week for driving his Singapore-registered car recklessly, causing injury to police officer Safie Mahrom.

The Singapore permanent resident is said to have damaged the cat claw security barrier when he drove onto it.

He had apparently driven through the checkpoint around 4pm on March 8 after being stopped for a boot check. The security barrier failed to work which, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, had never happened before.

Tan was represented by Mr Jeffrey Ong, who has been hired by his family. Mr Ong did not object to the prosecution's application to remand Tan at the Institute of Mental Health.

The next mention of the case is due to take place on March 31.

If convicted of committing a rash act, he could be jailed for up to one year and/or fined up to $5,000.

For vandalism, the maximum penalty is a $2,000 fine or three years' jail.