ICA Commander Shares Tips To BEAT the Causeway Jam!!! | #DailyKetchup EP326

Summary

In this insightful interview, Commander Jackson from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) shares his 18 years of experience managing border security at Woodland's checkpoint. He discusses traffic patterns, best crossing times, and the introduction of QR codes to expedite the process. The conversation delves into the challenges of identifying suspicious individuals and smuggling attempts, revealing the intricate layers of security in place. The episode also highlights the ICA's work-life balance, career opportunities, and the importance of maintaining a balance between security and facilitation at checkpoints.

Takeaways

• 🛃 The interview is with Commander Jackson from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), who has 18 years of experience and is currently in charge of border clearance and security operations at Woodland's checkpoint.
• 🚦 Woodland's checkpoint can be congested during peak hours but is generally smooth during weekdays, and travelers can avoid congestion by planning their travel times wisely.
• 🚍 Taking the bus during off-peak hours can be a fast way to cross the checkpoint, with clearance times as quick as 5 to 10 minutes.
• 💰 The cost of taking a public bus from Singapore to Malaysia is less than SGD 5, and the service operates in a loop, making it convenient for travelers.
• 🔍 ICA officers look for suspicious behavior, attire, and belongings to form a coherent story, and unexpected questions may be asked to detect inconsistencies in travelers' stories.
• 🤔 The best answer to an officer's question is always the truth, as lying or providing inconsistent information can raise suspicion.
• 🚗 Smuggling attempts are often made by modifying vehicles to hide contraband, and ICA uses intelligence to identify high-risk vehicles for further inspection.
• 🐶 There have been cases of smuggling animals, often sedated and hidden in car boots, which is a syndicated activity that ICA is vigilant against.
• 🚫 Certain items are restricted or prohibited from being brought into Singapore, such as poultry, portrait products, soy, and smuggled cigarettes, with penalties for violations.
• 🛂 ICA officers are trained to spot fake passports using various security features, and there are reference templates to help them identify counterfeit documents.
• 🤝 ICA offers a good starting salary for inspectors, with additional benefits like sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, and the opportunity for career progression and diverse job roles.

Q & A

What is the role of Commander Jackson in the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)?

Commander Jackson is in charge of border clearance and security operations at Woodland's checkpoint, having previously served as the deputy commander of the airport command and commander of T checkpoint.

Why does the traffic at Woodland's checkpoint get heavy at certain times of the day?

The traffic gets heavy during the morning and evening peak periods when Malaysian workers are commuting to and from work.

What is the best time to cross the border to avoid heavy traffic according to the interview?

The best time to cross the border is during weekdays, specifically in the middle of the day, as traffic is less congested during these times.

How long does it typically take to clear the checkpoint via bus during off-peak hours?

During off-peak hours, it usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes to clear the checkpoint via bus.

What is the cost of taking a public bus from Woodlands to Malaysia?

The cost is less than SGD 5, as the same distance-based charging applies as in Singapore.

How many travelers does Woodland's bus hall clear in a typical month compared to Changi Airport?

Woodland's bus hall clears nearly 4 million travelers in a month, which is more than the entire Changi Airport combined.

What has been introduced to improve waiting times for cars at the checkpoint?

The use of QR codes has been introduced to improve waiting times, allowing a group to scan one QR code instead of handing over multiple passports.

What is the general advice for passengers when approaching the checkpoint officers?

Passengers should be polite and maintain a serious demeanor, as officers need to perform a face-to-face check for security purposes.

What are some common items that people attempt to smuggle across the border?

Common items include cigarettes, vapes, and even animals, which are often sedated and hidden in car boots.

What happens when a person is caught attempting to smuggle items or people?

The case is referred to the relevant agency, such as Singapore Customs or the Central Narcotics Bureau, for follow-up actions.

What are some misconceptions people have about bringing certain items into Singapore?

Some people mistakenly believe they can bring in items like chewing gum or a limited number of cigarettes, but the rules prohibit these items regardless of the quantity.

What is the starting salary for an ICA inspector and what additional benefits do they receive?

The starting salary for an ICA inspector is over SGD 5,000, with a sign-on bonus of SGD 11,500, and they are entitled to mid-year and year-end bonuses.

How does the shift pattern work for ICA officers and what does it mean for their work-life balance?

The shift pattern is day-night-off-off, with each shift being 12 hours long. This allows for a good work-life balance as officers have 48 hours off after each night shift.