00:00Singapore will be acquiring two plots of Malaysia-owned land as part of the Republic's efforts to redevelop and expand the Woodlands Checkpoint.
00:09In a joint statement, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and Singapore Land Authority said the acquisition, which was gazetted today, was aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating cross-border movement.
00:21They say the expansion of the Woodlands Checkpoint would help reduce the average travel time from the car in 60 minutes to 15 during peak periods.
00:29It would also incorporate more automation, such as automated in-car immigration clearance systems, to increase efficiency, they said.
00:37Singaporean authorities say that the two parcels of land, with a total of about 0.79 hectares, are vegetated and unused.
00:45The statement also said the ICA would redevelop and expand the Woodlands Checkpoint in phases over the next 10 to 15 years to provide a long-term solution to the chronic congestion at the land crossing.
