Travellers waited up to three hours to clear immigration during the Good Friday long weekend in April
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Those heading for Malaysia through the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming Wesak Day long weekend from May 8 to 13 should expect heavy traffic and longer clearance time
the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority said travellers can consider taking the cross-border bus services during this period to avoid congestion
Bus operating hours and timings can be found on the Land Transport Authority’s MyTransport.SG app or the bus operator’s website
Motorists are advised to check the traffic situation at the two land checkpoints before embarking on their journeys
Motorists and those travelling by bus are also encouraged to use QR codes in lieu of passports to clear immigration more quickly
Singaporeans who travelled to Malaysia by car on Polling Day on May 3 faced traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints
During the recent Good Friday long weekend from April 17 to 21
more than 2.4 million people crossed the two checkpoints
The first day of the long weekend saw a peak of over 555,000 travellers
Those who crossed the checkpoints by car waited up to three hours to clear immigration during the peak periods
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SINGAPORE: Travellers heading to Malaysia via the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints were advised to expect significant delays on Saturday (May 3)
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
said there was "extremely heavy departure traffic" at the land checkpoints
The authority added that tailbacks from Malaysia had formed
with traffic buildup reaching about 5km at the Second Link and extending towards the Tuas Checkpoint
Travellers were told to anticipate waiting times that could reach five hours or longer
"Travellers are advised to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journey," said ICA
the authority added that the delay had reduced to three hours and that the tailbacks at the Second Link had reached about 3km at Malaysia's end of the bridge
a real-time website that monitors traffic at both land checkpoints
estimated that the waiting time at the Causeway to enter Malaysia was nearly an hour and 30 minutes
On Saturday, millions of Singaporeans began voting in the country’s 14th General Election
Polling stations opened at 8am and will close at 8pm
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the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) posted on their Facebook page that travellers to Johor Bahru (JB) can expect travel delays of up to five hours or more
They updated their post at 2pm that the delay was now up to three hours
The ICA also advised travellers to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journey
noting "extremely heavy departure traffic" at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints
ICA also noted tailbacks from Malaysia at both checkpoints — the one at the Second Link is now about 3km and has reached Malaysia's end of the bridge
Netizens reacted to ICA's Facebook post
poking fun at the situation with General Election-related jokes
"Must be Marine Parade voters (residents)
Another joked that the traffic is caused by the first batch of voters who cast their ballots earlier in the morning
This weekend is also a long one for students and staff at Ministry of Education (MOE) schools
as the latter declared May 5 a school holiday since Polling Day falls on a Saturday
Motorists heading towards Johor Bahru at the Woodlands Checkpoint on Jan 20
SINGAPORE: Travellers can expect very heavy traffic at Singapore-Malaysia land checkpoints during the upcoming Vesak Day long weekend
and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said that Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints are set to see heavy traffic from May 8 to 13
Travellers should expect longer waiting times to clear immigration
ICA said in a travel advisory on Monday (May 5)
“Those who still need to travel during this peak period can consider taking the cross-border bus services to avoid congestion,” it added
More than 2.4 million travellers crossed the land checkpoints during the Good Friday long weekend last month
with a peak of more than 555,000 people crossing in a single day on Apr 17
Those who departed by car had to wait for up to three hours for immigration clearance due to traffic tailback from Malaysia
“We seek travellers’ understanding to cooperate with ICA officers
observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline,” it added
Stern action will be taken against travellers who do not comply with officers’ instructions and commit offences
Travellers should ensure their passports have a remaining validity of at least six months
Singapore permanent residents who have renewed their passports should ensure their re-entry permits have been transferred to their new passports
Long-term pass holders should also notify ICA or the Ministry of Manpower of any change in their passport particulars before re-entering Singapore
Those travelling by car and motorcycles are encouraged to use QR codes instead of passports for faster immigration clearance
People commuting by bus can also use QR codes generated from the MyICA mobile app at automated lanes and special assistance lanes (SALs) of the checkpoints' bus halls
Drivers of foreign vehicles should also ensure their Vehicle Entry Permits (VEP) are valid
"Errant motorists caught queue cutting will be turned away and made to re-queue," ICA said
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The total amount of drugs seized is worth more than S$845,500
Drugs seized from the car carrying the 41-year-old Singaporean man attempting to smuggle the drugs into Singapore on 16 Apr 2025
SINGAPORE: A 41-year-old Singaporean man was arrested for trying to smuggle drugs that included about 4.7kg of heroin at Woodlands Checkpoint on Wednesday evening (Apr 16)
Officers from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) had directed a Malaysian-registered car for enhanced checks when they noticed the passenger behaving suspiciously
"ICA officers conducted a search and found a slab of 10 tablets believed to be controlled drugs on him," said ICA and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in a joint media release on Saturday
1.6kg of Ice and 1,000 Erimin-5 tablets were seized from a bag on the car's floorboard
along with cash that included S$689.60 (US$525.85)
officers searched the man's residence in the Woodlands Drive area and seized about 307g of ketamine
99g of ecstasy and vape devices suspected to contain controlled drugs
the drugs seized have an estimated worth of over S$845,500
and could potentially feed about 3,730 abusers for a week
Anyone found guilty of importing into or exporting from Singapore over 15g of diamorphine
or over 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty
The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) held a rally for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at Woodlands Stadium on Monday (Apr 28)
The People’s Action Party (PAP) held a rally for Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC at Woodlands Stadium on Thursday (Apr 24)
Share sensitive information only on official
secure websites.Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam
False claims that Woodlands MRT closed due to COVID-19
Note: This article has been updated on 15 July 2021 to adopt the World Health Organization’s naming of the disease “COVID-19” on 11 February 2020.
Mediacorp GOLD 905’s Denise Tan completes a scenic stroll from Woodlands Jetty to Marsiling Crescent with a hearty meal at Pondok Selera by Nurul Hidayah
Mediacorp GOLD 905's Denise Tan tucks into a plate of nasi padang at Pondok Selera by Nurul Hidayah (right) after a scenic stroll from Woodlands Jetty to Marsiling Crescent
we kick off our exercise-then-eat routine at the northernmost point of mainland Singapore – the iconic Woodlands Jetty
it’s a scenic starting point within the Northern Explorer Loop that links 11 green spaces
including Admiralty Park and Woodlands Waterfront Park
it wasn’t about completing the entire 25-kilometre loop – just a brisk 30-minute quest for nasi padang at Marsiling Crescent
So with the imminent feast on my mind and the Johor Strait before my eyes
I leisurely explored the Woodlands Waterfront Promenade
the peaceful stretch serves up sweeping sea views of the Johor skyline
It also crosses Sungei Cina which feeds into the mangrove swamps of nearby Admiralty Park
It encompasses a 20-hectare nature area teeming with flora and fauna
which you can access via a network of boardwalks
It’s a worthwhile – albeit muddy and overgrown – trek
The sea breeze had seriously built up my appetite
so I went for the most direct route from the promenade straight to Pondok Selera by Nurul Hidayah – a popular 24-hour nasi padang stall where flavour never sleeps
recently joined the family business that his father started 13 years ago
the Nurul Hidayah brand has grown to include two stalls and a central kitchen for catering events
leaving his career as an inflight attendant wasn’t just a personal decision
but a commitment to continue his father’s legacy
“He learned the recipes from my grandparents and slowly built up his experience
So he actually knows what people enjoy the most
Comfort is a word we kept returning to as I tucked into my heaping plate of rice
sotong hitam (squid cooked in its own ink) and rendang ayam (chicken rendang)
he highlighted their rendang as a dish they “do a bit different”
He was right – it looked nothing like a traditional rendang
A whole chicken leg was drenched and floating on a pool of luscious gravy
which seeped into the rice and lapped over the edges of my plate
it's much more enjoyable to eat with the rice,” Hardy explained
It was impossible not to enjoy the tender portion of sauce-saturated chicken (S$4)
the citrus notes of serai (lemongrass) and the earthy spice of lengkuas (galangal)
Santan (coconut milk) brought everything together in creamy cohesion
toasted and pounded) that intensified the santan flavour and gave the rendang its heart and soul
the rendang was a complex harmony of flavours to be savoured over and over with rice
bringing the taste of the sea in waves of umami
Named for the squid ink that gives it briny depth
Lengkuas and serai added their familiar fragrance
while santan lent a touch of buttery silkiness that complemented the squid’s springy snap
The interplay of textures kept each bite of sambal goreng (S$1) interesting
The tangy tempeh (fermented soya bean cake) was meltingly lush
while firm bites of tauhu (tofu) offered up delightfully charred edges
the dish was mild yet aromatic and satisfying
the nasi padang had indeed delivered on comfort – creamy
It’s the sambal that brings everything together,” he said proudly
I’ll check out their original stall at 888 Plaza at Woodlands Drive for their best-selling epok-epok
Pro-tip: Both 24-hour stalls are surrounded by parks and PCNs
so do a late walk and swing by at midnight when the food is hot out of the kitchen
“That is when the crowd starts to come because the food is the freshest,” Hardy advised
Their chefs also replenish the dishes at midday
but it’s good to know that whenever the craving strikes
nasi padang is available round the clock at Nurul Hidayah
stay for the sambal and enjoy the family’s delicious tradition of comfort food made with heart
Pondok Selera by Nurul Hidayah is located at Kimly Coffeeshop
Catch Makan Kakis with Denise Tan every Thursday from 11am on MediaCorp GOLD 905
JTC Customer Service Portal (CSP) will be undergoing scheduled maintenance from 6 May 2025 at 6.00 pm till 9.00 pm and will not be accessible during this period
A gateway to Malaysia and at the heart of Woodlands Regional Centre
Woodlands North Coast is going to be an economic hub brimming with life and activities
Move here and enjoy the diverse offerings that make this place a top business location
Thanks to flexible zoning (the first of its kind)
Woodlands North Coast offers you the freedom to adjust the amount of space required for your manufacturing and ancillary activities
You can keep your operations all under one roof
Explore 1 North Coast for these flexible spaces
This is an industrial estate that feels as dynamic as it looks
It has all the vibes of a modern campus which puts you in the perfect mood for innovating or just enjoying life
For an environment that’s positively different
Woodlands North Coast offers you the unique opportunity to use up to 70% of your space for non-manufacturing, service-oriented activities
Republic Polytechnic introduces a massive pool of quality talent literally at your doorstep
Honed by the Polytechnic’s Problem-based Learning pedagogy
these students are known for their creativity
and for their ability to solve problems or devise innovative solutions
Get in touch with Republic Polytechnic and explore how you can tap on their immense potential for your business
Each time your employees need to pick up new skills
or upgrade themselves through industry-relevant training
Republic Polytechnic’s Academy for Continuing Education (RP ACE) offers a broad range of over 200 training programmes
or empower your employees with skills in emerging areas such as data analytics
When it comes to industry-academia collaborations
Partner Republic Polytechnic and leverage their multi-disciplinary expertise to develop innovative solutions
improve productivity and drive capability development
you can even create prototypes to test-bed right in the estate
This 750 m car-lite boulevard runs from one end of Woodlands North Coast to the scenic northern coastline
Or indulge in some retail therapy at the shops lining the pathway
Wonder why there aren’t many vehicles around
That’s because commercial vehicles use a dedicated network that operates underground
Efficient for business and pleasant for pedestrians
It’s just another design feature that makes everyone feel great at Woodlands North Coast
With several housing estates within walking distance
plus another 10,000 new homes to be added soon
you and your employees will have no lack of choices when it comes to living near your workplace
Woodland’s plentiful housing also means you’ll have an impressive mix of residents seeking jobs at Woodlands North Coast
The talent you’ve been looking for will soon come knocking on your company’s door
or has a sizeable workforce from across the strait
For one, the Causeway is just around the corner. And by 2026, the much anticipated RTS linking to Johor Bahru will be in operation
making intercountry commuting even faster and easier
The multi-modal transport hub connects the community to the RTS and the Woodlands North MRT station
the nearby Woodlands MRT station offers another convenient option for you and your workers
Woodlands North MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line)
Woodlands MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line & North South Line)
The three cross-island expressways (BKE/KJE
CTE/SLE and TPE/SLE) passing by the estate will get you to your destination with the least hassle
1800 568 7000 (Local)
Hotline is available from Mondays to Fridays
singapore2 GRCs and 1 SMC: This Woodlands junction separates 3 electoral divisionsFacing north: HDB blocks on the left belong to Woodlands division of Sembawang GRC, blocks on the right are under the new Sembawang West SMC.PHOTO: AsiaOne/Eriko LimPUBLISHED ONApril 04, 2025 8:50 AMByLim KeweiAt the intersection of Woodlands Avenue 4 and Avenue 7
eagle-eyed road users may notice different MPs featured on the four banners flanking the junction perimeter
they will see a "Woodlands" banner on their left and a "Sembawang West" banner on their right
Turn 180 degrees to face south — a "Woodlands" banner would also be on the left
but at the right side of the street stands a "Woodgrove" banner
this junction divides the constituencies of Sembawang GRC and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC as well as the new Sembawang West SMC which has been carved out of Sembawang GRC ahead of GE2025
Sembawang GRC MPs Mariam Jaafar and Poh Li San represent the Woodlands and Sembawang West divisions respectively
while Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Hany Soh represents the Woodgrove division
said the boundaries are "very confusing"
Should I go elsewhere?" said the 67-year-old who lives in a flat near the intersection
But he also acknowledged that "there is a reason" behind how electoral boundaries are determined
remarking: "I thought this whole area is Admiralty."
Of the 10 residents living in Sembawang West whom AsiaOne spoke to
seven were aware that the division had become an SMC
said he is also aware of the three wards bordering the junction
who has been living in Sembawang GRC for 30 years
said he was "shocked" that Sembawang West had been carved out but believes that the way the estate is managed will not be affected by the change
The Electoral Boundaries Review Committee had said in its March 11 report that the creation of Sembawang West SMC is due to significant growth in the number of electors in Sembawang GRC
Singapore Management University law professor Eugene Tan told AsiaOne there could be multiple ways of demarcating the new SMC and "there is no perfect boundary delimitation"
"It would appear that the MRT line was the feature relied upon to demarcate the end point of the new (Sembawang West) SMC," he said
pointing out that such division of electoral boundaries may be unusual but not uncommon
Checks by AsiaOne revealed that most constituencies are demarcated along expressways or MRT tracks
Prof Tan said that some confusion among residents at the 'borders' as to which GRC or SMC they belong to and which MPS they should attend is likely
but that the confusion will be cleared before long
On the usage of community spaces across different wards
Prof Tan believes that Sembawang West SMC will likely be part of the same town council as Sembawang GRC
"Where usage of community spaces such as community clubs/centres
I am sure the town council(s) and PA will exercise flexibility in residents' usage of those areas," he said
Health Minister and Sembawang GRC MP Ong Ye Kung said in March that the new SMC's upgrading and development plans will continue to be part of the GRC and town development plan
I intend to assign Galaxy Community Club to the SMC
even though the CC falls just outside of the SMC boundaries," he said in a Facebook post
Additional reporting by Eriko Lim and Liv Hana Roberts
Some shopkeepers in Woodlands and Marsiling fear that the greater ease of crossing the Causeway to Malaysia using QR codes and the upcoming rail link will make Johor Bahru even more attractive to Singapore shoppers
When Mr Jeffrey Neo started his furniture business more than 10 years ago
it was so successful that he had four outlets in public housing estates
including one each in Marsiling and Woodlands
Things could not be any more different today
He is now left with his last outlet at Block 18 Marsiling Lane after he shuttered his third outlet in Woodlands in June last year
“Since the Causeway reopened after COVID-19 (in April 2022)
business has dropped by at least 50 per cent,” the 66-year-old who owns Eleon Furniture & Renovation said
This slowdown has been especially pronounced as border congestion eased over the past two or three years
Even though Mr Neo acknowledged that many factors may hurt brick-and-mortar businesses such as his, he placed the most blame for the business downturn on the competition just over the Causeway in Johor Bahru (JB)
Singapore’s stronger currency and overall higher business costs mean that he could never beat furniture shops up north in terms of price
He told CNA TODAY that he hardly sees young or new faces at his shop
long-time customers still patronising his business
Asked what he intends to do to arrest the decline of his business
Mr Neo sounded almost defeatist: “I’ll just continue running the shop until the day I’m forced to close.”
The challenges facing such brick-and-mortar business operators could well increase, with the greater ease in crossing the border already making JB an ever more appealing shopping destination for Singaporeans
Since March, travellers arriving in and departing Singapore at the land checkpoints by car have been able to clear immigration more speedily with QR codes instead of presenting their physical passports
this will be extended to those travelling by bus
And by the end of 2026, the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is expected to be completed
then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said in October last year
This is only making Singapore businesses near the border more fearful that their clientele will find it easier to shop up north
Most of the 18 businesses in the Woodlands and Marsiling area that CNA TODAY visited this week shared similar experiences as Mr Neo
sales have dropped between 30 and 50 per cent
Singapore's land checkpoints with Malaysia have seen greater numbers than in the pre-pandemic years. Five million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the September school holidays. On Sep 6, a single-day record of 534,000 travellers crossing the border was set
Close to 28 million travellers have used the QR code option for immigration clearance at the land checkpoints as of Dec 1
the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said
Some Woodlands residents told CNA TODAY that they are buying goods from JB either more frequently or in larger quantities in recent years
mainly due to the rising cost of living that adds pressure on them to pinch pennies
Though crossing the border has been made more convenient
it cannot fully beat the convenience of the neighbourhood shops
which they still turn to for specific items such as perishables goods or things that they need to buy urgently
merchants are calling for more help to be handed out to ensure that they do not end up shuttering their businesses for good
Many retail and service owners in the Marsiling area reported a drop in sales since COVID-19 of up to 50 per cent
Business has been even grimmer this year than the last
The higher cost of living has pushed consumers to look for cheaper alternatives
including online shopping platforms or by hopping across the border
For some businesses that used to be situated at the Old Woodlands Town Centre
they never recovered from their relocation back in 2017
a 25-minute bus ride from Woodlands Checkpoint
owner of See Toi Watches at Marsiling Mall
our customers were a good mix of Singaporeans and Malaysians since we were right outside the checkpoint
my customers are regulars from Old Woodlands and the residents around here.”
is chairman of Woodlands Town Centre Merchants’ Association
which includes operators in Marsiling Mall
He said that in comparison to the Old Woodlands Town Centre location
Marsiling Mall’s location is “not here nor there”
said that four to five retail stores in Marsiling Mall have closed down after the COVID-19 pandemic
Business has also fallen at blocks 18 to 19 Marsiling Lane
a 10-minute drive from Woodlands Checkpoint
the hawker centre there has long been a hot spot for Malaysians looking to have a meal before their work day starts
But even this is not enough to save the overall level of business there from dwindling
the 58-year-old observes that customers who still patronise his shop are buying items in bigger quantities
“My customers told me eating out is getting more expensive
so they are starting to cook at home more,” Mr Lim said
overall sales have still dropped 20 to 30 per cent
Mr Lim is also the chairman of the 18-21 Marsiling Merchants' & Hawkers' Association
wet market and some 30 merchants operating at blocks 18 to 19 Marsiling Lane
it’s not doom and gloom for all businesses in Woodlands
co-founder and director of KC Group – parent company of various hairdressing and beauty brands such as Kcuts and Apgujeong Hair Studio – said that the lower-value
quick-service barber businesses are less affected
This is because a consumer might not find it worthwhile braving a traffic jam for the few dollars that can be saved by going to JB
for the brands that offer “bigger ticket value with not-so-regular purchase frequency” such as hair and beauty treatments
And although many Woodlands and Marsiling shops said that they are languishing
most of the employees at eight shops that CNA TODAY visited in Causeway Point mall said that they had not noticed a significant decline in sales in recent years
They all declined to be quoted because they do not have permission to speak to the media
Professor Lawrence Loh from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School said that the resilience of Causeway Point may be due to the fact that it is located next to a bus interchange and MRT station
having a “larger catchment area than the neighbourhood stores”
Unlike customers who would typically visit their nearest neighbourhood shop to specifically buy items
visitors patronise big malls to do more than just shopping
who is from the school’s department of strategy and policy
the outing is a total experience that may include eating and entertainment conveniently available without having to travel across the country.”
from Causeway Point’s strategic location and value proposition
A promoter at Metro said that the department store has been visibly quieter and emptier even during its recent Black Friday sales period
who has been working at the store for a few years
added: “My colleagues and I are sure next year will be worse
and I’m worried I will lose my job if this situation persists.”
Some merchants reported an uptick in sales recently
boosted by the expiring Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers and the December cash payout under the government's Assurance Package
Others noted a brief increase in sales when Malaysia’s Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) policy was rolled out in October
They believe that this was because some residents who had not received the permit have decided not to enter Malaysia
Such was the case for 42-year-old Mohd Faizul Abdul Rahim
who has crossed the border only once after its post-COVID reopening
He said that it was in part due to him getting a better-paying job
which eased the pressure of having to go north to save money while shopping
he had his VEP application rejected twice for various reasons and that has put him off from heading to JB
“I just can’t be bothered to drive up anymore.”
A Woodlands resident who wanted to be identified only as Mr S
estimated that he saves S$200 a month by going to JB once a week to buy groceries and other household items
the trips he makes to JB include not just shopping
but also having a meal and going for services such as massages
These residents said that the cost of food in JB is the same as Singapore
but services such as those offered by massage parlours and hair salons are significantly cheaper there
plans to go to JB to buy new clothes for the Chinese New Year
The homemaker frequents malls such as City Square Mall and Mid Valley Southkey
Her purchases include clothes for her seven-month-old granddaughter
Baby apparel in Singapore retail stores such as Kiddy Palace can cost twice as much as stores in JB of the same quality
Woodlands and Marsiling businesses are bracing for further impact when the RTS Link begins service
The rail line will cut cross-border travelling time to five minutes and is set to be able to transport 10,000 passengers an hour in each direction
Businesses are concerned that Woodlands residents who are deterred by traffic jams at the Causeway will be encouraged to travel to JB by rail more often
her family typically plans trips to JB in advance
sometimes staying there overnight to avoid the heavy traffic back to Singapore
“I see myself going more often to JB via RTS
Commenting on the competition faced by businesses in Woodlands
Prof Loh of NUS Business School said that retailers in JB and the Woodlands area are vying for “somewhat similar” customer segments: These would be price-sensitive consumers looking for good bargains
He acknowledged that the stronger Singapore currency and high rental costs in Singapore pose “an inherent challenge that is hard to surmount”
“It will be hard to justify helping businesses in just a specific locality,” he added
businesses still hope that more can be done to help them stay afloat
A few merchants said that the CDC vouchers have helped them since they encourage spending
but the vouchers are usable only at certain shops
The voucher scheme was launched in June 2020 to help Singaporean lower-income households defray their cost of living and at the same time
to support hawkers and heartland merchants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
Some asked for controls over what goods can be brought into Singapore from across the border
in hopes that this will push Singapore shoppers to choose domestic buys
There are already existing regulations that prohibit importation of certain goods altogether
or that require specific permission be obtained before a traveller brings the goods into Singapore
items bought from overseas and brought into Singapore are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST)
but travellers are given tax relief based on their duration of stay overseas
If a Singaporean travels overseas for less than 48 hours
they are given a relief for up to S$100 of the items’ value
business figures are trying their level best to retain clients and stay competitive
Mr Pei of KC Group said that for its higher-end salon brands
they differentiate themselves by offering better quality services
"We have the full Korean experience with Korean director stylists who can give consumers more trendy Korean-themed haircut and styling
which they may not be able to fully achieve in Malaysia," he added
the chairman of Woodlands Town Centre Merchants’ Association
Marsiling merchants can take only “one step at a time”
They are banking on their accessibility to continue attracting customers
chairman of the 18-21 Marsiling Merchants' & Hawkers' Association
believes that his dried goods business will remain competitive
His goods are priced lower than in supermarkets and new Build-to-Order flats have popped up in Marsiling in recent years
bringing in a constant stream of customers
Ms Goh who foresees going to JB more often after the RTS Link opens said that she still turns to neighbourhood shops near her house to buy perishables
heavier items or items that she needs urgently
Retailers who are now seeing a rise in servicing requests hope that this proximity and occasional contact can reap benefits in the long run
even if it does not rake in the dollars in the near term
An optometry shop employee who asked to be identified only as Ms Lee noted that many customers go to her shop to service spectacles that they bought from across JB
I hope to build a good relationship with them
singaporeLong delays at Woodlands checkpoint: Over 2-hour wait as school holidays startThe jam on Woodlands Causeway towards Johor at 10.48am on March 16.PHOTO: Land Transport Authority of SingaporePUBLISHED ONMarch 16, 2025 3:35 AMByMelissa Teo Planning to bring the kids to Malaysia for the March school holidays
Brace yourself for a long wait at the checkpoints
In a Facebook post on Saturday (March 15) at 9.10am
the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) warned of heavy departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint due to tailback from Malaysia
The car queue was beyond Woodlands Avenue 3
and the estimated waiting time to Woodlands checkpoint was more than two hours
in an update on Sunday (March 16) at 9.20am
ICA shared that there was heavy departure traffic at Woodlands Checkpoint
"Ttavellers are advised to check traffic conditions before embarking on their journey," said the agency
wait times for traffic towards Johor were estimated to be 58 to 88 minutes on the Causeway and 40 to 61 minutes on the Second Link at 10.47am on Sunday (March 16)
ICA had on March 7 warned motorists to expect heavy traffic at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the upcoming March school holidays and Hari Raya Puasa
The school holidays are from March 14 till March 24
while the Hari Raya Puasa holiday is from March 28 to April 1
ICA said that more than three million travellers crossed Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints during the recent Chinese New Year holidays from Jan 24 to Jan 30
Over 521,000 travellers crossed on Jan 24 alone
"We seek travellers' understanding to cooperate with ICA officers
observe traffic rules and maintain lane discipline
ICA will not hesitate to take stern action against travellers who do not comply with officers' instructions and commit offences at the checkpoints."
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