In a daring attempt to flee Singapore undetected, a 32-year-old Malaysian national, Mohamad Izuwan, was caught hiding in the cargo compartment of a lorry at the Tuas checkpoint on Friday, July 19. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) apprehended both Izuwan and the 44-year-old Malaysian driver, Ramesh Munusamy, in connection with the illegal departure attempt.
Hiding in lorry
According to ICA officials, the Malaysia-registered lorry was stopped at around 12 pm for further inspection, during which Izuwan was discovered hiding in the cargo compartment without any travel documents. The authorities took swift action, arresting both Izuwan and Ramesh, who were subsequently charged in court on July 20.
Court documents revealed that Izuwan was charged with failing to present his Malaysian passport to ICA officers before departing Singapore, while Ramesh was charged as an accomplice for abetting his departure. The ICA has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards illegal entry or departure attempts, emphasizing that it will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
Tuas checkpoint commander Leong Mun Cheong praised the vigilance and commitment of ICA officers in safeguarding Singapore’s borders, stating that the detection was a testament to their dedication. He assured that the ICA will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance, conducting thorough security checks at checkpoints to prevent the smuggling of undesirable individuals, drugs, weapons, explosives, and other contraband.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to immigration laws and regulations. The ICA’s swift action in apprehending and prosecuting offenders sends a strong message that attempts to circumvent the law will not be tolerated. As Singapore continues to strengthen its border security, it is essential for individuals to respect the country’s immigration laws and regulations to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.