Delays expected at both checkpoints over holiday season: ICA

Delays expected at Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints over holiday season: ICA

Travellers using the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays can expect delays and heavy traffic, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Friday (Dec 20).

Traffic flow through both land checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy between Dec 20 and Jan 1, and the weekend before Christmas (Dec 21 to 22 this year) is one of the busiest weekends, it said.

"Travellers using the land checkpoints during this end-year holiday season can expect delays and are advised to adjust their travel plans where necessary,” ICA said.

"Security at our checkpoints remains the ICA's top priority against any potential threats to Singapore."

With security checks coupled with a large number of travellers using the checkpoints at the same time, traffic build-up is "inevitable and delays can be expected", it said.

ICA encouraged travellers to factor in the additional time needed for immigration clearance into their plans.

PASSPORT VALIDITY

It also reminded them to bring the right passports and check that they are valid for at least six months before setting off on their journey.

"During peak periods, ICA has encountered many instances of travellers turning up at the land checkpoints either with a wrong passport, or without a passport," said ICA, noting that such cases will cause unnecessary delays, add to traffic build-up and inconvenience other travellers.

Passports that have been reported to be lost can no longer be used for travelling, even if they are subsequently found, as they will be cancelled by ICA.

Any attempt to use such passports may be punished by a fine of up to S$10,000, up to 10 years' jail, or both.

Such passports that have been recovered must be surrendered to ICA within 14 days. failure to surrender the recovered passport may be punished with a fine of up to S$3,000, up to two years' jail, or both.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Travellers were also reminded not to carry prohibited items such as firecrackers, pop pops and chewing gum.

Travellers who carry dutiable or controlled items such as eggs, meat products and potted plants should also declare these to ICA officers before checks.



AVOID QUEUE-CUTTING

ICA also said there have been "many instances of queue-cutting" at both checkpoints during peak periods, which can cause congestion and compromise safety.

It reminded motorists to observe traffic rules and cooperate with checkpoint officers.

Before embarking on their journeys, motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints through the One Motoring website or via the Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System installed along the BKE and AYE.

Motorists can also check ICA’s Facebook page for updates on the traffic situation at both checkpoints.

Checkpoint officers will monitor traffic conditions on a real-time basis and ensure optimal deployment of resources, with ICA also working with traffic police to ensure road discipline at critical junctions leading to the land checkpoints.

ELECTRONIC ARRIVAl CARDS FOR FOREIGN VISITORS

ICA encouraged foreign visitors to submit their arrival cards online via the SG Arrival Card e-service on the ICA website or mobile application for greater convenience.

They can submit the electronic arrival cards up to 14 days ahead of their arrival in Singapore.

This means that they do not need to fill up the paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card and will only need to produce their passports for immigration clearance upon arrival.

Source: CNA/ic(hm)

Checkpoints Traffic Camera Live Conditions

Click here http://www.checkpoint.sg/

Contactless immigration system at Changi Airport T4

The trial began on Nov 25 and is open only to Singapore citizens aged six and above holding passport numbers beginning with the letter "K", and whose passports were issued after Jan 1, 2018.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which is running the trial, said travellers using the contactless immigration clearance lane should remove sunglasses, caps or other headgear that could obstruct their eyes or face when passing through the lanes.

~Straits Times~

Wet, windy weather expected for first half of December

Wet, windy weather expected for first half of December

You can expect rainy days and windy weather in the first half of December.

Moderate to heavy showers, along with cloudy and occasionally windy conditions, can be expected due to a monsoon surge, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said in an advisory released on Friday (Nov 29).

The monsoon surge is expected to last from two to four days.

This is expected to be followed by short-duration moderate to heavy thundery showers in the afternoon for the next five to seven days.

The monsoon surge event is also forecast to bring cooler daily temperatures of between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

For the rest of the fortnight, daily temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures could dip to a low of 23 degrees Celsius on a few nights and reach a high of around 34 degrees Celsius on a few days.

Overall, most parts of Singapore can expect above-normal rainfall in the first half of December.

Source: CNA/ad(mn)

Causeway Congestion: Feasibility study to look at third bridge proposal

Causeway Congestion: Feasibility study to look at third bridge proposal - Muhyiddin



The authority has agreed to undertake a feasibility study on the proposed third bridge as a long-term solution in overcoming traffic congestion at the Johor Causeway.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the study, estimated to cost RM5 million, would be conducted sometime next year after the funding was obtained.

“The study will also look at the capacity of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, which are currently handling a very high volume of visitors, whether both facilities should be upgraded.

“I am told that almost 70 per cent of the visitors to and from Malaysia use the Causeway,” he told reporters at BSI here today.

He said this after chairing the first meeting of the committee to solve the congestion issue of the Causeway which was attended by various relevant government departments and agencies.

Elaborating further, he said the study was expected to take nine months to complete.

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the committee also agreed to proceed with the proposal to build a covered pedestrian pathway at the Johor Causeway as a short-term solution to overcome the congestion.

“It will cost RM30 million, but we have to first discuss the proposal with the federal and state governments and PLUS Malaysia Berhad before we can take the next step,” he said.

Among those present at the meeting were Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar and representatives of the state government and heads of government agencies.

-- BERNAMA

3rd bridge needed to ease congestion

Third bridge needed to ease congestion between Johor and Singapore: Malaysian Minister Muhyiddin



Malaysia's Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said on Monday (Nov 25) there was a need to build a third link to ease traffic congestion between Johor and Singapore.

He told the Johor state assembly that he had already informed the federal government about the link, which could take the form of a bridge or a tunnel, reported national news agency Bernama.

~Straits Times~

‘Congestion is at its peak’

‘Congestion is at its peak’



View of the causeway linking Singapore to Johor.

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A third bridge linking Singapore and Johor will resolve congestion problems at both the Causeway and Second Link here.

Gambir assemblyman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Pagoh MP and Home Minister, said the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) at both Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar (KSAB) were already reaching their maximum capabilities.

He said he had been appointed by the Federal Government to head a committee to oversee the congestion at both checkpoints.

“The two premises have already reached their maximum level of capacity.

“The congestion at the BSI in Johor Baru is the most congested CIQ in the world, and this is something we should not be proud of, ” he said during the debate on Johor’s Budget 2020 yesterday.



Muhyiddin said he had informed the Federal Government an important factor to solve congestions at the two checkpoints was to build a third bridge.

“If the state government supports this, then I will start the initiative to have a third bridge, which must begin now.

“The third link does not have to be in the form of a bridge as it can also be a tunnel, ” he said, adding that Tebrau Straits was a good location as the area was viable.

However, he added that a study must be done before work starts.

Meanwhile, the state government will send an official suggestion to Putrajaya to consider the development of a third bridge to ease congestion at the two checkpoints.

State public works, infrastructure and transportation committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri said the technical committee had discussed on how to improve the facility at BSI and KSAB.

“The Federal Government has allocated RM85mil next year to address congestion at the Causeway and Second Link in the 2020 budget, where RM45mil will go towards the improvement works at BSI while RM40mil will be channelled to KSAB.

“Both CIQs, especially BSI that was built in 2003, will reach its maximum capacity by 2020, ” he said.

~The Star~

Online ticket scams for Universal Studios Singapore, other attractions

Police warn about online ticket scams for Universal Studios Singapore, other attractions



The police on Friday (Nov 22) urged people to be wary when making hotel room reservations and buying attraction tickets online.

"With the upcoming December school holidays, the police would like to remind the public to be wary when making online purchases, especially those involving hotel room reservations and attraction tickets," said the Singapore Police Force in an advisory.

Between January and September, the police received more than 197 reports of such e-commerce scams.

"In terms of attraction tickets, USS (Universal Studios Singapore) tickets were often highlighted. Victims either did not receive the tickets or received invalid tickets after payments were made," said the police.

The authorities advised members of the public not to be impulsive and to be wary of online advertisements promising cheap prices for attraction tickets or hotel reservations. People should read the seller's reviews before making a purchase, they added.

The police also warned that some scammers could use local bank accounts or provide copies of a NRIC or driver's licence to pretend to be genuine sellers.

Members of the public should also avoid making payments or deposits in advance, and to make use of platforms that release payment only upon receipt of the item. They should also arrange to meet a seller and pay only after collecting the item.

"Bear in mind that tickets may be invalid upon entry as they are duplicated tickets," said the police. "You are therefore advised to purchase only from authorised sellers."

Source: CNA/nc(mi)

No visa required for Hong Kong passport holders

No visa required for Hong Kong passport holders to enter Singapore, ICA clarifies

Hong Kong passport holders do not need a visa to enter Singapore, contrary to rumours circulating online, Singapore authorities clarified on Thursday (Nov 21).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it is aware of false information circulating on WhatsApp chat groups and social media platforms that Hong Kong passport holders are required to apply for visas before entering Singapore.

The visa requirement only applies to Document of Identity holders in Hong Kong, ICA said.

The Document of Identity is a travel document issued to Hong Kong residents who are unable to obtain a passport.

“There is no change to the existing visa policy for both Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport and Document of Identity holders,” ICA said.

“We urge the public not to spread such rumours.”

Singapore's Consulate-General in Hong Kong issued a similar statement on its Facebook page on Monday, saying there has been no change to the country's visa-free policy for Hong Kong passport holders.

Hong Kong has suffered nearly six months of increasingly violent protests and unrest that began over a now-shelved Bill to allow extraditions to China, which revived fears that Beijing was slicing into the city's freedoms.

China has blamed foreign powers, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, of stirring up trouble in the former British colony.

ICA’s comments came a day after it was reported that a Hong Kong restaurant owner had been repatriated and banned from Singapore after he organised a public assembly without a permit.

Mr Alex Yeung, who is known for his anti-protest videos on YouTube, is said to have organised a gathering on Oct 11 "for interested persons to share their views on the current protests in Hong Kong".

Source: CNA/ec(cy)

Ferry services between Singapore and Kukup to be launched

Ferry services between Singapore and Kukup to be launched if PH wins Tanjung Piai by-election: Muhyiddin



Malaysian Minister for Home Affairs Muhyiddin Yassin speaking at Kukup during Pakatan Harapan's campaign rally for the Tanjung Piai by-election. (Photo: Fadza Ishak)

Plans are under way to launch ferry services between Singapore and the town of Kukup on the southwestern tip of Johor if Pakatan Harapan wins the Tanjung Piai by-election, Malaysia's Minister of Home Affairs Muhyiddin Yassin said on Wednesday (Nov 13).

Speaking at Pakatan Harapan's rally for the Tanjung Piai by-election, Mr Muhyiddin said that the services would help transport tourists from Tuas in Singapore to Kukup more efficiently, and bring in more tourism dollars for the area.

"I've heard a few locals here asking why are there are no ferry services between Kukup and Tuas in Singapore, because many Singaporeans love to visit Kukup to eat seafood and enjoy the many activities in the area," said Mr Muhyiddin.

"I've asked the (Johor) chief minister if this was feasible, he said to me just now, god willing, yes. So if we win, we will ensure that ferry services between Singapore and Kukup are implemented as soon as possible," he added, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Plans to boost tourism in Kukup has recently gained momentum, with campaigning for the Tanjung Piai parliamentary by-election intensifying before voting on Saturday.

The six-cornered battle is tightly contested between front-runners Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Mr Karmaine Sardini and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Dr Wee Jeck Seng, alongside other candidates Ms Wendy Subramaniam from Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, Dr Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz of Barisan Jemaah Islamiah Se-Malaysia as well as independent candidates Dr Ang Chuan Lock and Ms Faridah Aryani Abdul Ghaffar.

Kukup, in Tanjung Piai, is a popular tourist destination for Singaporeans. Many of the tourists enjoy visiting Kukup's fishing village, exploring mangrove wetlands at the Pulau Kukup - Johor National Park and shopping for local products such as salted fish and belachan.

Mr Muhyiddin pointed out that these efforts to improve tourism accessibility to Tanjung Piai would create more jobs in the area for younger residents, so that they would not have to travel far to earn money for their family.

He also lauded the recent re-launch of ferry services between Kukup and Indonesia's Tanjung Balai. The ferries operate between Tanjung Balai in the Riau Islands and Kukup International Ferry Terminal, and would attract more visitors to the area, he said.

Besides improving tourism prospects for Tanjung Piai, Mr Muhyiddin also announced other goodies for the residents of Tanjung Piai if PH candidate Mr Karmaine wins the by-election.

He said that the federal government would also work to improve Internet connectivity in the area and assist fishermen who are facing "well-documented problems" in Kukup.

~Channel News Asia~

MRT Map

Malaysia continues RTS project with a new cost of RM3.16 bil

Malaysia continues RTS project with a new cost of RM3.16 bil



JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 31 -- Malaysia has agreed to continue with the Rapid Transit System (RTS) route with a new cost of RM3.16 billion.

Announcing the matter, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the latest cost resulted in a savings of 36 per cent or RM1.77 billion compared with the original cost of RM4.93 billion.

"We will go ahead with the project and solve a little bit on the issue of traffic congestion.

"Details of the project would be discussed with the Singapore government,” said Dr Mahathir at a media conference, here today.

On Oct 18, the Malaysian Transport Ministry had received cabinet approval to continue with the RTS route project with changes to the structure, scope and specification of the route.

Also present at the media conference were Home Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin; Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali; Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng; Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook; Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Dr. Sahruddin Jamal and State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani as well as the state government leadership lineup.

With the announcement to proceed with the RTS project, it proved Malaysia’s commitment with Singapore, said Dr Mahathir.

“We will stick to our promise. (The RTS project) was temporarily postponed, now we are ready and we will build (RTS).

“The story saying that we want to postpone for another six months...that is the story by the newspapers,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, in a separate media conference, Loke said an important element in the RTS project structure which had been reviewed by his staff was the involvement of the developer or landowner of Bukit Chagar to finance and enable the project to proceed with the land cost being exempted.

“Merged with the construction cost and optimised rail system, the government managed to achieve significant savings thus enabling it to be financially viable,” he added.

He said that for implementation of the project, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (PMB) would continue to remain as the Malaysian representative in the joint-venture company operating the train (JV OpCo) and also given the mandate to discuss with the company operating the Singapore railway, SMRT to finalise terms in the Joint Venture Agreement.

Meanwhile, on the question of when both parties would sign the new agreement so that construction work on the project could be initiated immediately, Loke said it was expected to be done early next year.

“We can’t expect that we make a decision today, we can go in tomorrow.

“There is a process that we need to make in terms of amending the bilateral agreement and there are also a few more agreements that we need to sign.

”One is the joint venture agreement and also the construction agreement between Prasarana and SMRT (the operating company for the Singapore train). So all together, there are three agreements that we need to sign with the Singapore government including the amended bilateral agreement,” he added.

Meanwhile, Singapore has welcomed Malaysia’s decision to proceed with the project.

"Both sides are now discussing the changes to the project, which Malaysia is proposing in order to reduce the project cost," the republic's Ministry of Transport said in a statement.

The ministry said as the changes will require amendments to the RTS Link Agreement, the discussions will take some time.

"Both sides are working hard on this," it said.

-- BERNAMA

Wider Causeway just one step KL is mulling over to ease congestion

Wider Causeway just one step KL is mulling over to ease congestion



A file picture taken on Dec 22, 2018, showing the traffic jam at the Causeway. Malaysia is considering measures to ease the congestion, including expanding the link and creating a shipping lane. ST FILE PHOTO

Malaysia is considering a slew of measures to ease congestion at the Causeway, including expanding the link, building a covered walkway and creating a shipping lane, it said yesterday.

A special committee chaired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had met for the first time on Wednesday to discuss ways to resolve the long-standing traffic problem at the two links connecting Malaysia's Johor state with Singapore - the Causeway in Woodlands as well as the Second Link in Tuas.

Travellers now take between 40 minutes and two hours to clear the 1.06km-long Causeway during peak hours. More than 300,000 people use the Causeway daily.

According to a statement by the Home Ministry yesterday, initiatives considered include increasing funding for the two entry points, forming a single border agency to oversee all the country's borders and entry points including ports, and conducting a study to identify issues and challenges in planning for future capacity needs.

Deputy Home Minister Mohd Azis Jamman announced last month the proposal to form a single agency to coordinate operations at the two entry points, to boost efficiency and reduce congestion.

He said it was necessary to create a single agency as there are 23 government agencies from various ministries stationed at the Customs and Immigration Checkpoint at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and 13 agencies at Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar Checkpoint, both in Johor.

These include offices of the immigration, Customs, road transport and health departments, the police and the highway operator.

The meeting on Wednesday agreed to set up a sub-committee comprising several ministers and representatives of the Johor state government, to be chaired by the Home Minister, to follow up on initiatives and fine-tune them.

A spokesman said there was a need for such an infrastructure after the state government found out that many people risked their lives by crossing the Causeway on foot.

The proposals include widening and extending the Causeway, building a covered pedestrian walkway, setting up a shipping lane and expanding existing entry points.

Earlier this year, the Johor government said it was looking to build a 1.2km walkway on the Causeway at an estimated cost of RM15 million (S$5 million).

Johor Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee chairman Mohd Solihan Badri had said the idea was mooted after the state government found that many people risked their lives walking across the link without proper facilities to ensure their safety.

Commuters often walk across the Causeway during peak hours to avoid being stuck in traffic. Many of them spill over into vehicle lanes before continuing their journey on public transport upon reaching Singapore, he added. The footpath will be built on existing motorcycle lanes on both sides of the Causeway.

The Home Ministry did not elaborate on how a shipping lane would ease congestion, although a similar proposal had cropped up in 2003, when Tun Dr Mahathir mooted the idea of an S-shaped highway to replace the Malaysian side of the Causeway that would allow vessels to pass underneath. The so-called crooked bridge plan was dropped by then Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi when he took over from Dr Mahathir in 2003.

~Straits Times~

CAAS chief sets sights on faster airport clearance

CAAS chief sets sights on faster airport clearance



If the technology is proven reliable, a smart digital tower, utilising cameras along Changi Airport's runways as well as artificial intelligence, could eventually replace physical control towers.PHOTO: ST FILE

By 2024, air travellers should be able to arrive at the airport 85 minutes before their flight - a 30 per cent improvement from the current average of two hours.

That is the target set for the aviation community by Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore director-general Kevin Shum, who urged the industry to improve and simplify processes on Thursday (Aug 15).

He noted that while Changi Airport and the supporting aviation industry have been making "good progress" towards the goal of adopting technology to improve productivity, incremental change will not be enough going forward due to the demands in an increasingly globalised and digital environment.

"If we operate on a business-as-usual basis, we will need to hire and train 6,000 more skilled workers over the next decade. This will be very difficult given the shortage of manpower in Singapore," said Mr Shum.

Adding that he is optimistic the target can be achieved without compromising on service standards and while adopting sustainable practices for the environment, Mr Shum said achieving the goal would require "fundamental shifts" in terminal operations, airside activities as well as air traffic management.

"It will be something that can only be done by the whole community working together - regulators and policymakers, airport operator, airlines, immigration officers, ground-handlers, air traffic controllers," said Mr Shum, speaking at the launch of the Aviation Open House at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The aviation authority also aims to make one in four jobs senior-friendly by 2030, said Mr Shum. To do this, senior workers will have to embrace changes and technology to upgrade their skills, and this would enable them to have longer and more meaningful careers, he added.

Mr Sunny Yang, Changi Airport Group's associate general manager of airside management, demonstrating the new simulator on trial that uses virtual reality for training Passenger Loading Bridge operators.

Some of the technological developments that would help to achieve this goal are on display at the biennial Aviation Open House, such as the smart digital control tower prototype that will go on trial later this year.

If the technology is proven reliable, the smart digital tower, which utilises cameras along Changi Airport's runways as well as artificial intelligence, could eventually replace physical control towers.

Other innovations on display include a speech recognition prototype that will automate and shorten the transcription process during an aviation incident investigation, developed by Mitre Asia Pacific Singapore, as well as an experimental project by European plane-maker Airbus to develop unmanned air delivery of parcels.

Visitors will also be able to interact with aviation industry representatives who will share their career experiences and provide advice to students and job seekers who are considering a career or education in the industry.

Interactive workshops will also be held, including two classes under the Airbus Foundation Little Engineer Programme that will see participants assembling their own A380 airplane model.



The Aviation Open House will be held from Aug 15 to 17 at the Suntec convention centre. Admission is free. Those who pre-register for the event will receive a free goodie bag.

More information is available at www.aviationopenhouse2019.sg

~Straits Times~

Proceed with JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System, Malaysian govt urged

Proceed with JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System, Malaysian govt urged

After delaying the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) five times, a group now wants the government to proceed with the project without further ado.

The RTS Monitoring Group said the project was important for the cross-border movement of people with an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 commuters using the Johor-Singapore Causeway daily.

Its representative Dr Tee Ching Seng (pic) said the Pakatan Harapan government had delayed the project five times since it took over the country's administration, compromising the interest of the people.

"The deadline for the (suspension of the) project (with Singapore) is Sept 30. If this beneficial project ends up getting cancelled, the government will have to compensate Singapore S$67 million.

"As it is, RM1.8mil (S$596,330) has already been paid to Singapore due to the delay. We urge the government to carry on with the RTS project.

"The people count in this project, which can effectively resolve the traffic congestion at the Causeway and improve quality of life, especially for those who have to commute daily," he said here yesterday.

The agreement for the RTS project, which covers 4km of rail between Bukit Chagar, Johor Baru and Woodlands, Singapore, was signed between Malaysia and Singapore on Jan 16 last year and slated for completion by Dec 31, 2024.

However, in May, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that a six-month study would be carried out on the project to determine if this was indeed beneficial.

On May 21, Malaysia and Singapore signed a supplemental agreement to suspend the project until Sept 30.

~Asia One~

Electronic arrival card trial extended to more visitors to Singapore

Electronic arrival card trial extended to more visitors to Singapore



More visitors to Singapore will be able to submit electronic arrival cards as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) launches the beta version of its SG Arrival Card e-service on Wednesday (Aug 14).

The service, available on ICA’s website and as a mobile application, allows visitors travelling via selected transport operators to submit electronic arrival cards up to 14 days before they arrive in Singapore.

The transport operators included in this trial are: AirAsia, Jetstar Asia, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Transtar Travel, BatamFast Ferries, Bintan Resort Ferries, Horizon Fast Ferry and Majestic Fast Ferry.

Visitors travelling on these transport operators and who submit the electronic arrival cards before arriving in Singapore will only need to produce their passports for immigration clearance, without having to fill in the paper arrival cards.

“Users of the mobile application will have the option of scanning their passport biodata pages, and enjoy the convenience of not needing to manually key in the information,” ICA said in a news release.

“The mobile application will also save previously submitted information for use on subsequent trips to Singapore.”

Foreign visitors who arrive in Singapore without completing the physical disembarkation/embarkation cards were allowed to submit an electronic arrival card at the checkpoint under a trial conducted by ICA since October last year.

Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders were not included in the trial.

Electronic arrival cards will completely replace the paper versions by 2021. “ICA will study the results of this trial and progressively extend the SG Arrival Card facility to foreign visitors,” the authority said, adding that more details will be announced at a later date.



Screengrab of the SG Arrival Card mobile app. (Image: ICA)



In April, ICA announced that foreign travellers will no longer have their passports stamped when departing Singapore, as a way to streamline processes and speed up immigration clearance.

Travellers who enrol their fingerprints in the BioScreen system upon arrival are eligible to use automated lanes when they leave Singapore.

Source: CNA/ga(cy)

Happy National Day

Singapore may experience haze in coming weeks and months

Singapore may experience haze in coming weeks and months: Met Service

There may be occasional haze in the next few weeks or months as drier conditions are expected, said the Meteorological Service Singapore on Friday (Aug 2).

Drier-than-normal weather conditions have been forecast in the coming weeks for Singapore and the surrounding region, including Sumatra and Kalimantan.

"In recent days, persistent hotspot activities with smoke plumes have been observed in Riau and Jambi provinces in Sumatra and southern parts of Kalimantan," said the Met Service.

"These conditions can lead to an escalation of hotspot activities and an increase in the risk of transboundary haze occurrence in Singapore and the surrounding region."

The number of hot spots from forest fires in Indonesia has been increasing, prompting authorities to declare an emergency in six provinces on the island of Sumatra and the province of Kalimantan.

Thousands of military and police have been deployed to douse the forest fires.

Singapore has also been experiencing dry and warm weather in recent weeks.

The Met Service said on Thursday that last month was the driest July since rainfall records began in 1869. It was also the second warmest since temperature records began in 1929.

The Met Service said it will continue to closely monitor the regional weather and haze situation.

"The likelihood of haze affecting Singapore is dependent on factors such as the proximity and extent of the fires, the direction and strength of the prevailing winds, and the incidence of rain," it said, adding that information on the haze can be found on its website.

Source: CNA/ec(gs)

Fireworks on 9th August

Scoot to operate from Changi Airport's Terminal 1 from Oct 22

Scoot to operate from Changi Airport's Terminal 1 from Oct 22


A Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot, a subsidiary of File photo of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by long-haul budget carrier Scoot parked on the apron at Changi

SINGAPORE: Low-cost carrier Scoot will move its operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 (T1) at Changi Airport on Oct 22, it announced on Thursday (Jul 18).

The move aims to "facilitate Scoot's growth in the next few years", said the airline in a joint media release with Changi Airport Group.

"Since April 2019, Scoot has launched eight new destinations in China, India, Laos and Malaysia, as part of expansion plans for the future," it said.

The airline added that it was on track to launch nine more new routes by the end of next year.

With this growth expected to continue, Scoot said that customer experience will "play an even bigger role". Check-in experience, in particular, has been identified as one of the top three areas which the airline wanted to improve.

Scoot's check-in counters at T1 will be located at rows 5 to 7 on the departure level, according to a notice on its website.

Changi Airport has undertaken upgrading works over the last five years to expand the passenger handling capacity of T1, said the release.

Improved features include automated check-in kiosks and bag-drop machines at the departure hall, expansion of the meeters and greeters hall at the arrival level, as well as the integration of the terminal with Jewel Changi Airport.

Two belts have also been added to the baggage claim hall, and two of the belts have been lengthened to handle more arriving passengers.

Scoot CEO Lee Lik Hsin said that the airline has strived to provide its growing customers base "with enhanced efficiency from the moment they arrive at the airport".

"With the move, we hope to encourage more customers to use the expanded self-service facilities, to enjoy a quicker and more seamless check-in process," he added.

The airline last year announced that it would move operations to T1, but did not specify the date.

Scoot is the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines and began flying in June 2012. In July 2017, it merged with Tigerair Singapore in a move that retained the Scoot brand.

The airline has a fleet of 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 29 Airbus A320 aircraft.

Source: CNA/ad(hm)

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More rainy days expected for the rest of July

More rainy days expected for the rest of July: Met Service

Expect more rain in the second half of July compared to the previous fortnight, said the Meteorological Service Singapore on Tuesday (Jul 16).

In its media advisory, the Met Service said that widespread thundery showers, at times heavy, are expected on two to three days over the next two weeks due to "large scale wind convergence over Singapore and the surrounding region".

There could also be a few days of short thundery showers in the late morning and early afternoon.

"The monsoon rain band is forecast to lie over northern Southeast Asia and northern South China Sea," said the Met Service.

It added that this is expected to bring generally dry and occasionally windy conditions to Singapore and the surrounding region this week.

The daily temperature during the rest of July is expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

"The daily maximum temperature could reach a high of around 34 degrees Celsius on some days," added the Met Service.

"On some nights, warm and humid conditions with night-time temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius are expected, in particular when prevailing winds blowing from the southeast bring warm and humid air from the sea."

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Marina Bay Skyline

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Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopens with wider mix of tenants

Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopens with wider mix of tenants



The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings.ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Raffles Hotel's shopping arcade reopened its doors on Thursday (July 11) after renovation works that started in 2017.

The three-storey arcade now boasts a wider range of tenants and event spaces, with over 30 retail, dining and lifestyle offerings including co-working space The Great Room, multi-label store The AC, luxury furniture label Minotti, and restaurant Burger & Lobster.

Some returning tenants include luxury watch store The Hour Glass and German camera brand Leica. There is also a new Raffles Spa.

About 70 per cent of stores are already open for business while the rest, including Burger & Lobster, will open within the next three months.

The Jubilee Hall - a popular venue for plays and concerts in the 1990s - has been transformed into the Jubilee Ballroom that can seat 300 guests.

The 5,199 sq ft ballroom, decked in elegant hues of cream and gold, is billed as an ideal venue for weddings and galas.

General manager of Raffles Hotel Singapore Christian Westbeld told The Straits Times: "The last renovation was about 30 years ago so now to have something a lot more current and experiential is very timely. We want guests to be entertained."

Although the number of tenants has fallen from 40 previously, 90 per cent of the arcade has been rented out and Mr Westbeld explained that certain store spaces had been reassigned during the revamp.

Chef Jereme Leung will open modern Chinese restaurant yi by Jereme Leung.

For example, an area on the hotel's third level that previously housed the Raffles Museum, pineapple cake retailer SunnyHills and Tooth Matters Dental Surgery, has been made into new Residence Suites while some tenants are also taking up larger spaces - such as The Great Room, which takes up 12 units.

"The Raffles Arcade has always been a place for gathering and recreation and this continues to remain true for the refreshed property," Mr Westbeld added.

Ms Claire Chahil, 39, founder and creative director of multi-label fashion and lifestyle store The AC, said being at the arcade is a "once in a lifetime opportunity", adding: "We are very excited to be a part of the resurgence of such a famous building."

~Straits Times~