SINGAPORE: While many vehicles entering Singapore’s land checkpoints are usually checked by migration officers, doing the exact same for every outgoing vehicle would have a significant impact on trade and journey, said the Migration and Checkpoints Power (ICA) on Weekend (Jul 24).
The issue has been underscored by the recent news of a meandering couple who fled Singapore simply by hiding in the pot compartment of a van . The particular pair had allegedly failed to deliver high-class watches and bags worth at least S$20 million.
Arrest warrants and Interpol notices have been issued against the couple. The lorry driver has already been charged along with helping them get away.
ICA told CNA that Singapore’s land checkpoints are among the busiest land crossings in the world. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 200, 1000 travellers departed day-to-day, according to ICA.
“Any delay in clearing departure visitors during peak hours can cause traffic tailback onto our roads inland, such as BKE (Bukit Timah Expressway) for Woodlands Checkpoint and AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway) intended for Tuas Checkpoint, ” said ICA.
“It would also disrupt trade runs between Singapore and Malaysia. ”
ICA said this calibrated departure checks based on Singapore’s existing security posture.
“For example, enhanced checks will be conducted on departing conveyances in the aftermath of major security occurrences to prevent the perpetrators from leaving Singapore. ”
“ARRIVAL-CENTRIC APPROACH”
Explaining why all inbound vehicles are checked while not every fun loving one is, ICA mentioned it takes an “arrival-centric approach” to border security.
As for departing automobiles, the agency retreats into a “risk management approach” to stability security checks and facilitate smooth leaving clearance at the checkpoints.
ICA said that this is a common exercise internationally, adding that it also helps to optimize resources.
On the day-to-day basis, ICA said it performs regular and accidental checks on leaving behind vehicles to prevent and detect efforts to depart Singapore illegally.
This covers car footwear, the luggage plus engine compartments associated with buses, as well as the cabin and container compartments of lorries.
“Targeted and comprehensive checks may also be carried out on departing conveyances based on risk profiling and information obtained, ” said ICA.
“While the checks may not be 100 per cent, they are not minimum or negligible in number. ”