M’sian charged for trying to cheong Woodlands checkpoint

SINGAPORE: A 42-year-old Malaysian was on Monday charged in a district court after he allegedly tried to evade immigration clearance at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Koh Chin Had – who was driving a Malaysian-registered Perodua Kambara – allegedly did so by tailgating the car in front of him.

This happened on Sunday at around 12.20pm.

ICA said its officer immediately activated the alarm and the Arrival Car Zone was locked down straight away.

ICA officers, together with the police officers at the checkpoint, found the car trapped in the zone, and immediately arrested the driver.

Koh is also accused of failing to present a travel document.

During the short court hearing, Koh indicated to the officer on duty that he will plead guilty.

Prosecutors have indicated that they will proceed on the first charge of failing to stop a vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint – which carries a jail term of up to six months and fine of up to S$2,000.

The second charge of failing to present a passport will be taken into consideration for sentencing.

Koh will be back in court on Tuesday for his plea to be taken.

This is the third incident this year, of a driver being arrested for failing to stop for immigration clearance.