Singapore Acquires Malaysian Land for Woodlands Checkpoint Expansion as Daily Traffic Surges 22% to 327,000

The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) gazetted the acquisition of two Malaysian-owned land parcels on 4 Jun 2025 for the redevelopment and expansion of Woodlands Checkpoint.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and SLA will work closely with the Malaysian government through the acquisition process. Both authorities stated they will continue their strong partnership with Malaysia to strengthen connectivity and people-to-people links.

The two land parcels have a total area of 0.79ha, slightly larger than a football field. The parcels are vegetated and unused, located near the middle of the planned redevelopment area.

In 2024, ICA said that Singapore had written to Malaysia in May 2022 and in November 2023 to propose the purchase of the land.

Woodlands Checkpoint Traffic Surge Drives Expansion Plans

In 2024, the daily volume of travellers at Woodlands Checkpoint rose by 22 per cent, increasing to 327,000 from 269,000 in 2023.

During the year-end school holidays in 2024, a record 376,000 travellers passed through the checkpoint on 20 Dec 2024.

By 2050, the average daily number of travellers at Woodlands Checkpoint is projected to reach 400,000.

The acquisition of land is part of ICA’s plan on redeveloping and extending Woodlands Checkpoint in phases over the next 10 to 15 years to provide a long-term solution to the chronic congestion at this land crossing.

Phased Construction to Transform Checkpoint Experience

Under Phase 1 of the construction process, ICA will build an extension of Woodlands Checkpoint at the Old Woodlands Town Centre. Construction works are anticipated to start in the third quarter of 2025.

The extension will include new automated clearance facilities for cargo vehicles, arriving cars and arriving motorcycles. The Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) will also be extended to create a direct route for vehicles exiting Woodlands Checkpoint to access the expressway, reducing traffic congestion on local roads during peak hours.

Subsequent phases will comprise building additional clearance facilities and retrofitting the existing checkpoint.

The full redevelopment of Woodlands Checkpoint aims to improve clearance efficiency across all modes of transportation. Average travel time during peak periods will be reduced from the current 60 minutes to 15 minutes.

The project will increase automation by incorporating systems for automated in-car immigration clearance. ICA will also be able to conduct security checks away from the main checkpoint structure and provide holding areas for vehicles within the checkpoint to alleviate congestion on the BKE and surrounding roads.

ICA stated it will continue to leverage technology and develop innovative solutions to facilitate cross-border travel and trade, while keeping Singapore’s borders secure.