Source: Today Newspaper, 3 Nov 2005
Release figures on number of checkpoint booths
open
Letter from MOHAMAD NOOR ABDULLAH
THE issue of traffic jams at the Woodlands
checkpoint has surfaced many times, and the
Immigration and Checkpoint Authoritys
(ICA) response has always been standard.
It always cites its state of the art security
screening and blocking system, and
asks for the publics understanding.
Additional manpower is being deployed
is another standard response.
Yes, we need detailed security checks,
but they are not the cause of the jams.
Writer Pat Gan (Nov 2) and others before
have pointed out that only 30 per cent
of the immigration booths were opened.
Such comments should be responded to
specifically.
Customs and security inspection booths
are also not efficiently utilised.
That so many booths are not open does
not correspond with the claim that
additional manpower is deployed.
Could ICA release to the public the
percentage of booths that are open on weekdays,
weekends and public holidays, as well
as why so few booths are opened?
If ICA is short of manpower, then employ
more officers. This would save everyones
time and lead to less petrol being
wasted, and hence, a greener environment.
Dont forget
motorcyclists
Letter from LIM THIAM POH
I HOPE that in our call for congestion-free
checkpoints, lets not forget the motorcyclists.
Every day, tens of thousands of them
throng the checkpoints to work across the
borders and to go home at dusk.
Motorcycle jams at the two land checkpoints
have been a perennial feature, even
before the 911 incident and tighter security.
As writer Pat Gan rightly said, there are
insufficient booths in operation to meet
peak demands. Why build so many booths
when ICA is unable to man them?
Take for example, the arrival terminals
meant for motorcyclists at Tuas. Every morning,
no more than 15 of the more than 40
booths are in operation. Motorcyclists who
use the Tuas checkpoint pay a toll of $0.60
only to be caught in an hour-long jam.
The ICA must do something effective
to cut short travellers waiting time other
than just asking travelers to accommodate
the tighter security checks. Arent government
agencies supposed to aim for better
and more efficient services these days?
