Singapore Is Acquiring 2 Malaysian-Owned Land Parcels To Expand Woodlands Checkpoint
The expansion aims to tackle chronic congestion at one of the world's busiest land borders.
By Sadho Ram — 04 Jun 2025, 04:17 PM
The Singapore government has announced it will be acquiring two land parcels currently owned by Malaysia as part of its long-term plan to expand the heavily congested Woodlands Checkpoint
According to a joint statement released by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Wednesday, 4 June, the two plots, totalling about 0.79 hectares, are vegetated and unused, sitting near the centre of the redevelopment zone, CNA reported.
The acquisition was formally gazetted the same day, with Singapore authorities stating they are working closely with the Malaysian government throughout the process.
"We will continue our strong partnership with the Malaysian government to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people links," the release said.
Why is Singapore expanding Woodlands Checkpoint?
Anyone who's crossed the border by land between Johor and Singapore knows just how jammed the Woodlands crossing can get, especially during weekends or school holidays.
The ICA said the expansion is part of a phased redevelopment that will roll out over the next 10 to 15 years to tackle chronic congestion at one of the world's busiest land borders.
In 2024 alone, the daily number of travellers surged by 22%, jumping from 269,000 in 2023 to 327,000. A new record was set on 20 December 2024, when 376,000 people crossed the checkpoint in a single day. Authorities expect this figure to grow to 400,000 daily travellers by 2050.
The first phase of construction is expected to begin in Q3 2025 at the Old Woodlands Town Centre
It includes new automated clearance facilities for cargo and arriving vehicles, an extension of the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) to give vehicles direct access, cutting down congestion on nearby roads.
Later phases will introduce more clearance facilities, including upgrades to the existing checkpoint, in-car immigration clearance systems, holding areas for vehicles within the checkpoint, allowing for off-site security checks and reducing pressure on the BKE and surrounding roads.
Singapore authorities say the final goal is to cut down the average peak-period travel time to just 15 minutes, while maintaining security standards.
