SINGAPORE: Two men allegedly attempting to leave Singapore illegally were found hiding in the boot of a Malaysian-registered car at Woodlands Checkpoint, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a news release on Tuesday (Jul 8).
Both men and the driver – all Malaysians – were arrested and charged in court last Saturday.
At around 3am on Saturday, the car, driven by a 20-year-old man, was directed for further checks at Woodlands Checkpoint.
ICA officers found two men aged 30 and 31 hiding in the car boot. Neither of them had any travel documents.
The authority said it takes a serious view of attempts to enter or leave Singapore illegally and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
The penalties for illegal departure from Singapore are a fine of up to S$2,000 (US$1,600), up to six months’ jail, or both.
If found guilty of conveying prohibited immigrants out of Singapore, offenders face a jail term of between two and five years and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
For illegal entry, offenders face up to six months’ imprisonment and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
“The vehicles used in such offences are liable to be forfeited,” added ICA.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan, commander of Woodlands Checkpoint, said: “This detection is a clear reflection of our officers’ dedication and vigilance in safeguarding Singapore’s borders.
“ICA remains committed to conducting thorough security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to deter and prevent the smuggling of undesirable persons and prohibited items, including drugs, weapons, explosives and other contraband.”
