ICA: Avoid peak hours if visiting Malaysia over the long weekends

If you are planning to visit Malaysia over the Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa holidays,   the Immigration, and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) advises that you check the traffic situation and avoid the expected peak hours.

“Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy during the upcoming long holiday weekend,” ICA said on Wednesday in a media release. Northbound traffic is expected to be heavy between Friday and Saturday. Singapore-bound traffic is expected to be heavy from next Tuesday (May 3) through Wednesday (May 4).

ICA says that about 436,800 used the land checkpoints during the long weekend that began with Good Friday.

“This number is expected to be even higher for the upcoming Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa holidays,” said ICA.

Based on 2019 data, that is, before the pandemic closed borders, travellers leaving Singapore via the land checkpoints had to wait for up to four hours. Those arriving by car had to wait up to an hour during the same period.

“Travellers are thus advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance and check the traffic situation before embarking on their journey.”

ICA released the following schedule of peak hours, which travellers are advised to avoid.

Motorists are also advised to check the traffic situation at the land checkpoints through the One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the BKE and AYE, respectively, said ICA.

Travellers can also check ICA’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for more updates.

“As of May 1 2022, cross-border bus services plying across the Causeway and Second Link will resume operations,” ICA announced, noting that this is an alternative to avoid getting caught in a huge traffic jam.

ICA said it would take the necessary measures to facilitate immigration clearance without compromising security.

“We will also work with the Traffic Police to ensure road discipline at the critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.”

“We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation to observe traffic rules, maintain lane discipline and cooperate with officers on-site when using the land checkpoints,” it added.

More details on ICA’s announcement can be found here. /TISG

Huge crowds & long queues at JB customs spilt over the streets & triple-boosted, folding in on itself twice