Two Malaysians caught hiding in car boot in failed bid to leave Singapore illegally
Two Malaysian men were arrested after being found hidden in the boot of a car attempting to leave Singapore via Woodlands Checkpoint. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the incident occurred on 6 July, when officers stopped the vehicle for further checks.
- Two Malaysians, aged 30 and 31, found hiding in a car boot at Woodlands Checkpoint
- Driver, 20, and the two men charged in court on 6 July
- ICA warns of severe penalties for illegal immigration offences
SINGAPORE: Two Malaysian men were caught attempting to leave Singapore illegally by hiding in the boot of a car at Woodlands Checkpoint, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) revealed on 8 July 2025.
The discovery occurred at around 3am on 6 July, when ICA officers directed a Malaysian-registered car for further checks.
The vehicle was driven by a 20-year-old Malaysian man.
Officers found two other Malaysian men, aged 30 and 31, concealed in the vehicle’s boot. Neither man possessed any travel documents.
All three individuals were arrested and charged in court last Saturday.
ICA warns against illegal immigration attempts
According to ICA, the agency takes a serious view of illegal immigration-related offences and will not hesitate to prosecute offenders.
Those convicted of attempting to leave Singapore illegally may face fines of up to S$2,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Drivers who transport prohibited immigrants face between two and five years’ jail and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
Offenders convicted of illegal entry face up to six months’ jail and a minimum of three strokes of the cane.
ICA stated that vehicles used in such offences may be forfeited.
Officers commended for vigilance
Senior Assistant Commissioner Maran Subrahmaniyan, commander of Woodlands Checkpoint, commended his team for their vigilance, stating that ICA remains committed to securing Singapore’s borders through thorough checks.
He added that the case underscores the importance of ICA officers’ alertness and the need for stringent security measures at Singapore’s land checkpoints.
