Two Malaysian men were discovered hidden away in the boot of a car at Singapore’s Woodlands Checkpoint. They intended to leave Singapore without going through the proper immigration channels.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) reported that these two men, aged 30 and 31, were arrested, along with the 20-year-old driver of the car. All three individuals are Malaysian nationals and have since been charged in court.
The incident unfolded early on a Saturday morning, specifically around 3am. An ICA officer on duty directed a Malaysian-registered car for a more thorough inspection, which is a standard procedure for certain vehicles. It was during this detailed check that the officers made the surprising discovery of the two men concealed within the car’s boot. The men did not possess any valid travel documents, making their attempt to depart Singapore illegal.
The ICA has made it clear that they take a very firm stance against anyone trying to enter or leave Singapore unlawfully. They highlighted the serious consequences for individuals caught engaging in such activities. Penalties for illegal entry or departure from Singapore are quite severe and can include hefty fines, periods of imprisonment, and even caning, depending on the specifics of the offence.
Furthermore, any vehicle that is used to commit such offences is liable to be forfeited by the authorities, meaning the vehicle can be taken away permanently. Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan, who serves as the commander of Woodlands Checkpoint, spoke about the incident.
He highlighted the “vigilance of our officers in safeguarding Singapore’s borders.” His statement underscored the ongoing commitment of the ICA to conduct thorough security checks at all checkpoints. This rigorous process is in place to “prevent the smuggling of undesirable persons and prohibited items” into or out of the country.
The successful detection of the two hidden men at the Woodlands Checkpoint serves as a testament to the continuous efforts and alertness of the ICA officers working tirelessly at Singapore’s borders.
