The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Tuesday (July 19) that it is normal practice to give expedited clearance to ministers when they travel across the Causeway.
In a Facebook post, Mr Png Eng Huat said he had a “bad” encounter at Tuas checkpoint while returning from a day tour to Desaru with his residents last Sunday (July 17).
He said they were waiting to clear the Singapore custom at the two counters of the “overwhelmed” checkpoints, and a third counter was later opened exclusively for Minister Tan Chuan-Jin and his entourage to clear without joining the queue. The minister had also gone on a similar outing with his residents.
Mr Png added: “One of my residents is 89 years old and another was injured during the tour. If these two elderly residents can wait in queue patiently for their turns, so can all my volunteers and grassroots members.”
“After all, we are supposed to enjoy a day of fun together. No one should not be accorded more ‘fun’.”
In response to media queries, ICA said that Mr Tan was travelling with 20 bus loads of people who were his residents and grassroots leaders.
The authority added that expedited clearance was only given to the bus carrying Mr Tan and his entourage. The other 19 buses carrying his residents joined the queue and were cleared through the normal channels.
Officers will use their judgment on the clearance process when ministers travel with others in a group, ICA added.
ICA’s records showed Mr Png was at the same checkpoint for about 30 minutes, and was cleared through immigration.
minlee@sph.com.sg
