Singapore’s Woodlands Checkpoint saw a record high traffic volume on 28 March 2020, with almost 70,000 vehicles entering and leaving the country. This is the highest number of vehicles recorded at the checkpoint since its opening in 1999.
Cause of High Traffic Volume
The spike in traffic volume is due to the Malaysian government’s decision to impose a Movement Control Order (MCO) from 18 March 2020 to 14 April 2020. The MCO is a preventive measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The MCO requires all Malaysians to remain at home and bans all interstate and international travel. As a result, many Malaysians living in Singapore have chosen to return to Malaysia before the MCO is implemented.
Impact of High Traffic Volume
The high traffic volume has caused delays and congestion at the Woodlands Checkpoint. The checkpoint has seen long queues of vehicles since the morning of 28 March 2020. It is estimated that the wait time for vehicles entering Singapore is around 1.5 hours, while vehicles exiting Singapore are queuing for up to 4 hours.
The checkpoint has also increased its manpower to manage the situation. The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has deployed additional officers to help with the clearance of vehicles.
Reactions from People
Many people who are travelling to and from Singapore have expressed their frustration over the long wait times. Some say that they have been waiting for more than 3 hours to get through the checkpoint.
However, some people are more understanding of the situation. A Singaporean, who was returning from Malaysia, said “I understand that the situation is beyond anyone’s control. The authorities are doing the best that they can to manage the situation.”
Conclusion
The Woodlands Checkpoint is facing an unprecedented amount of traffic volume due to the Malaysian government’s decision to impose the Movement Control Order. This has caused delays and congestion at the checkpoint, with vehicles having to wait up to 4 hours to get through.
The checkpoint has increased its manpower and efforts to manage the situation, and many people have expressed their understanding of the situation.