Defer non-essential travel to Johor this weekend; heavy rain, long queue at checkpoints – SG’s ICA

Defer non-essential travel to Johor this weekend. That’s the advise from Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), issued today. The reason is very heavy traffic expected at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints, made worse by the monsoon surge in Singapore. Heavy rain has also caused flooding in Johor.

ICA says that since the start of the March school holidays, both checkpoints have been experiencing very heavy arrival and departure traffic. “The incessant rain over the last two days due to the monsoon surge in Singapore has also added to the traffic build-up at the land checkpoints,” it said, adding that departing motorists have had to wait over two hours for immigration clearance.

In addition, ICA also warned motorists of reduced visibility on rainy days and urged motorists to avoid queue-cutting as there have been cases of road accidents over the last two days. “Those who wish to continue with their journey should expect delays and are advised to check the traffic conditions before embarking on their journey,” the agency warned, reported by CNA.

The news agency’s report says that Singapore and parts of Johor have seen constant rain from Wednesday due to a monsoon surge, which is expected to last till today, bringing moderate to heavy rain across the island. Malaysia’s met department said continuous heavy rain is expected to persist over Johor – including Johor Bahru, Kulai and Mersing – today.

Johor menteri besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said on Thursday that the rainfall over the past few days was “out of the ordinary”, exceeding 150 mm compared with the average of 20 mm. The heavy rain, on top of the high tide phenomenon of about three metres, caused more severe flooding than expected in a few areas, he said on Facebook.

Drive safe in this weather, keep a safe distance, and if you see a flood, don’t risk bulldozing through.

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