SINGAPORE, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Thursday warned of "very heavy traffic" at the country's two land checkpoints with Malaysia this December, due to the ongoing year-end school holidays and the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
During the first week of the year-end school holidays, from Nov. 21 to 27, more than 3.6 million travelers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, according to an ICA release.
Traffic peaked on Nov. 21, when over 555,000 travelers cleared immigration at the land checkpoints in a single day. Car travelers departing during peak hours faced delays of up to three hours, as long queues formed due to tailbacks from Malaysia.
The ICA said intensified checks against the smuggling of e-vaporizers, which are prohibited in Singapore, will continue at the checkpoints, likely extending waiting times.
Travelers are advised to monitor traffic conditions before setting out. ■