Planning to go to Malaysia over the Vesak day long weekend? Expect heavy traffic at both Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, according to The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s recent announcement.
According to ICA, drivers should expect heavy traffic departing Singapore between Friday and Saturday, and congestion into Singapore between Sunday and Monday. As Vesak Day falls on Sunday, Monday is a public holiday for Singaporeans.
"Travellers using the land checkpoints during these periods can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans to avoid being caught in the traffic jams where possible," the agency said. "For this upcoming long weekend, travellers are thus advised to factor in additional time for immigration clearance, and to check the traffic situation before embarking on their journey."
Travelling to JB
To avoid congestion, ICA has advised people to plan ahead and avoid departing Singapore between 3pm and 11.59pm on Friday. Those intending to travel to Malaysia on Saturday should avoid the periods between 6am and 10am, as well as between 4pm and 9pm. ICA also advised travellers to opt for cross-border bus services instead of driving to Malaysia to avoid getting caught in the traffic jams.
Travelling back to Singapore
Travellers coming back into Singapore should avoid the peak hours between 5pm and 7pm on Sunday, as well as between 1pm and 11.59pm on Monday. ICA also encouraged motorists to check the traffic situation at Land Transport Authority’s One Motoring website or the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System on the Bukit Timah and Ayer Rajah expressways before departing.
You should also check that your passports are valid for at least six months before departing to Malaysia. Singapore permanent residents who recently renewed their passport will also have to transfer their re-entry permit (REP) to the new passport. Long-term pass holders, on the other hand, should notify ICA or the Manpower Ministry if there’s any changes in their passport particulars.
Over 400,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints from Singapore to Malaysia during the Labour Day and Hari Raya Puasa long weekend (April 29 and May 3). During the Vesak Day holiday back in 2019, travellers departing Singapore via the land checkpoints had to wait close to three hours while those travelling by car had to wait up to one hour before clearing the immigration.
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