ICA warns of longer waiting times at SG-JB checkpoints during December school holidays as it steps up crackdown on e-cigarettes

SINGAPORE: The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) will intensify its enforcement operations against e-cigarettes at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming year-end school holidays, a move expected to add to passenger waiting times amid already heavy traffic.

In a statement, ICA warned that severe congestion is anticipated from Dec 21 to Jan 1, as travellers make use of the school holidays to cross the border. The agency noted that land checkpoints had already seen a significant surge in traffic during the recent Deepavali long weekend.

Between Dec 17 and 20, nearly 2 million travellers crossed the land border. Traffic peaked on Dec 17, when more than 550,000 people made the crossing. Congestion at Malaysian checkpoints further compounded delays, with some motorists waiting up to three hours to clear immigration during peak periods.

ICA reiterated that e-cigarettes are fully banned in Singapore and that both possession and use are illegal. To curb smuggling attempts during the holiday period, authorities are deploying a multi-pronged strategy at land crossings and will ramp up checks as travel volume increases.

Travellers have been advised to check the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before starting their journeys. The department also encouraged the public to consider using cross-border bus services as an alternative to driving, noting that this could help avoid long waits.

ICA urged travellers to cooperate with officers, adhere to all instructions, and observe traffic rules while queueing. It stressed that strict enforcement action will be taken against anyone who disobeys orders or violates regulations.