On 19 July 2024 at around 12pm, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers stopped and directed a departing Malaysia-registered lorry for further checks at Tuas Checkpoint. The lorry was driven by a 44-year-old Malaysian man.

2.          While conducting the checks, ICA officers found a 32-year-old Malaysian man hiding inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. He was not in possession of any travel document.

3.          Both men were placed under arrest and will be charged in court on 20 July 2024.

4.          The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to enter or depart Singapore illegally and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders for such cases. Under the Immigration Act 1959, the penalties for illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months and a minimum of three strokes of the cane, while penalties for illegal departure are a fine up to $1,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both. For engaging in the business of conveying prohibited immigrants out of Singapore, offenders will face a jail term of between two to five years and a minimum of three strokes of the cane. The vehicles used in such offences are liable to be forfeited.

5.          Commander of Tuas Checkpoint, Assistant Commissioner Leong Mun Cheong said, “This detection is a testament to our officers’ vigilance and commitment in safeguarding Singapore’s borders. ICA will continue to maintain vigilance and conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands.”

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
20 JULY 2024

Photos

The Malaysia-registered lorry involved in the case (Photo: ICA)
A 32-year-old Malaysian man hiding inside the cargo compartment of the lorry (Photo: ICA)	ICA officers placing the 32-year-old Malaysian man under arrest. (Photo: ICA)