The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has detained two men and one woman for failing to stop for arrival immigration clearance at Tuas Checkpoint and other offences.  

2.          On 8 April 2022 at about 2.14am, a Malaysia-registered vehicle driven by a male Singaporean, evaded departure clearance at Malaysia’s Komplex Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) and sped towards Tuas Checkpoint while being pursued by Malaysia’s Traffic Police. The vehicle was spotted by an Auxiliary Police Officer, who was deployed at the entrance of Tuas Checkpoint towards Malaysia. He immediately activated the alarm and the checkpoint was locked down without delay.   

3.          To circumvent the lockdown, the driver attempted to force his way into Singapore through the automated motorcycle clearance lanes. However, the lanes were too narrow and the vehicle was incapacitated after crashing into the counters. An ICA officer suffered an abrasion on his right ankle in the process. The driver was subsequently detained by ICA officers.   

4.          The two passengers in the vehicle; one male Chinese national and one female Vietnamese national (based on declaration), had attempted to flee the scene by foot, but were intercepted by Auxiliary Police Officers responding to the incident. The female Vietnamese sustained injuries from a fall while attempting to escape. Both of them were allegedly not in possession of valid travel documents and were subsequently detained.  

5.          Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver of the vehicle was wanted by the Police and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and had allegedly in his possession, a tampered Singapore Passport. A preliminary urine test indicated that the driver had tested positive for drug consumption. They have been placed under arrest by the Police. Investigations are still ongoing.    

6.          Two ambulances were activated to provide medical assistance to the ICA officer and the female Vietnamese. They were conveyed to hospital in a conscious state.  

7.          The ICA takes a serious view of attempts to enter Singapore illegally and the possession of false Singapore travel documents. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), offenders found guilty of illegal entry shall be liable to a jail term of up to six months and a minimum of three strokes of the cane. Under the Passport Act, offenders found guilty of possessing a false Singapore travel document shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to a jail term of up to 10 years or to both. For damaging of government properties, first time offenders shall be liable to a fine of up to $2,000, or a jail term of up to 3 years, and caning. 

Annex A


Photo 1 (ICA)


Photo 2 (ICA)

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
8 APRIL 2022