SINGAPORE, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Monday warned of "very heavy traffic" at its two land checkpoints linking Malaysia from upcoming Friday to Sunday, as Good Friday coincides with Qing Ming, or Tomb-Sweeping Day.
During the recent March school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa weekend from March 13-22, more than 5 million travelers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, with the peak on March 18 seeing more than 564,000 travelers in a single day, the ICA said.
Car travelers faced waiting times of up to three hours during peak hours due to traffic tailbacks from Malaysia, the authority added, urging travelers to consider cross-border bus services to avoid congestion.
In addition, heightened global security concerns, including developments in the Middle East, have prompted the ICA to step up checks on travelers, cargo, and vehicles at all checkpoints. Longer waiting times are expected. ■
