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The Star
20 hours ago
- The Star
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump the queue at Singapore land checkpoints
SINGAPORE: Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: 'If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues.' Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means. In June 2023, a Malaysian driver – who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint – had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: 'Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. 'We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations.' To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. 'At one glance, I knew that was not the case,' he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, 'we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border'. - The Straits Times/ANN
New Paper
a day ago
- New Paper
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump queue at land checkpoints
Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: "If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues." Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means. In June 2023, a Malaysian driver - who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint - had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: "Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. "We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations." To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. "At one glance, I knew that was not the case," he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, "we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border".
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
U-turns, bans await motorists who jump the queue at land checkpoints: ICA
The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both of Singapore's land checkpoints. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE – Drivers might think they are saving precious minutes when jumping queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. But when they get stopped by Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers, they will face having to make a U-turn and rejoin the queue. They could also be blacklisted and face further disciplinary action from the authorities. The June school holidays have begun and traffic is expected to be heavy at both land checkpoints. To ensure a smooth travelling experience, ICA has reminded motorists about proper road etiquette. Speaking to reporters via a virtual interview on May 28, Inspector Mardiana Masdar, 43, team leader at the Integrated Operations Centre at Woodlands Checkpoint, said queue-jumping increases during peak hours when the traffic tailback is very bad. It is an issue ICA officers take very seriously, she added. Insp Mardiana said ground officers who spot vehicles jumping queues will alert the team at the operations centre, who will relay this information to traffic controllers near the checkpoint to direct them to make a U-turn to rejoin the queue. She said: 'If they are non-compliant, we will refer them to our Secondary Office, where we are able to show them CCTV footage of them cutting queues.' Non-compliant culprits can face bans from entering the checkpoints using their vehicles and can only do so by other means . In June 2023, a Malaysian driver – who was travelling from Singapore to Malaysia via the Woodlands Checkpoint – had refused to make a U-turn, and even drove off after being caught by ICA for trying to jump the queue. Because of his non-compliance and dangerous driving, the driver and car were banned from entering Singapore. In a statement on May 23, ICA said traffic is expected to be very heavy at both land checkpoints during the June school holidays, particularly during the Hari Raya Haji weekend between June 6 and June 9. ICA noted that during the Vesak Day long weekend between May 8 and May 13, more than three million travellers crossed the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. Traveller volume peaked on May 9, with more than 546,000 travellers clearing immigration at both checkpoints in one day. Earlier, there were traffic jams lasting as long as five hours at the two checkpoints on Polling Day on May 3. May 1 was a Labour Day public holiday while May 5 was a school holiday. On Dec 20, 2024, a record number of more than 562,000 travellers crossed the land checkpoints within a day. Inspector Eileen Neo Hui Xin, 26, an assessment and investigation officer at Woodlands Checkpoint, said motorists can get more frustrated during busy periods due to long waits that can last several hours. She said ICA officers will usually ignore motorists who take out their frustrations on them. But when motorists become abusive, the culprits will be directed to the Secondary Office for further interviews and investigations. Insp Neo said traffic congestion can also happen when it rains. Motorcyclists who enter through automated lanes may face issues getting the system to detect their wet fingerprints. They would then have to be manually cleared, causing a jam. Impatient motorists honking their horns add to the chaos. With operations very fast-paced and demanding during peak hours, Insp Neo said it takes a lot of coordination, quick decision-making and a constant awareness to keep operations running smoothly. She said: 'Balancing efficiency with security standards is tough, but it also makes the work fulfilling. Everyone wants to travel smoothly. And during peak periods, it is very difficult to manage people's expectations and to manage the ground properly. 'We have to balance both to protect our border security and also meet (travellers') expectations.' To ensure a smoother journey, ICA advised travellers not to bring prohibited or controlled items. Checkpoint Inspector (1) Kendri Parwira Suhairi, 38, a first response team officer, said all ICA officers at the checkpoints are trained to identify dubious travellers based on indicators like their behaviour. He remembered a Singaporean couple who arrived several months ago with batons they tried to pass off as tapping rods for defect checks in new homes. 'At one glance, I knew that was not the case,' he said. They were referred to the police and the items were deemed to be controlled items. CI (1) Kendri noted that during peak periods, the volume of people does not make security operations at the checkpoints any easier. But, he added, 'we remain vigilant 24/7. At the end of the day, we are the first line of defence at the border'. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
U.S. antitrust case against Google sees judge wrestling with far-reaching remedy proposals
The fate and fortunes of one of the world's most powerful tech companies now sit in the hands of a U.S. judge wrestling with whether to impose far-reaching changes upon Google in the wake of its dominant search engine being declared an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard closing arguments Friday from Justice Department lawyers who argued that a radical shake-up is needed to promote a free and fair market. Their proposed remedies include a ban on Google paying to lock its search engine in as the default on smart devices and an order requiring the company to sell its Chrome browser. Google's legal team argued that only minor concessions are needed and urged Mehta not to unduly punish the company with a harsh ruling that could squelch future innovations. Google also argued that upheaval triggered by advances in artificial intelligence already is reshaping the search landscape, as conversational search options are rolling out from AI startups that are hoping to use the Department of Justice's four-and-half-year-old case to gain the upper hand in the next technological frontier. It was an argument that Mehta appeared to give serious consideration as he marveled at the speed at which the AI industry was growing. He also indicated he was still undecided on how much AI's potential to shake up the search market should be incorporated in his forthcoming ruling. 'This is what I've been struggling with,' Mehta said. Mehta spoke frequently at Friday's hearing, often asking probing and pointed questions to lawyers for both sides, while hinting that he was seeking a middle ground between the two camps' proposed remedies. 'We're not looking to kneecap Google,' the judge said, adding that the goal was to 'kickstart' competitors' ability to challenge the search giant's dominance. Mehta will spend much of the summer mulling a decision that he plans to issue before Labour Day. Google has already vowed to appeal the ruling that branded its search engine as a monopoly, a step it can't take until the judge orders a remedy. Google's attorney John Schmidtlein asked Mehta to put a 60-day delay on implementing any proposed changes, which Justice prosecutor David Dahlquist immediately objected to. 'We believe the market's waited long enough,' Dahlquist said. While both sides of this showdown agree that AI is an inflection point for the industry's future, they have disparate views on how the shift will affect Google. The Justice Department contends that AI technology by itself won't rein in Google's power, arguing additional legal restraints must be slapped on a search engine that's the main reason its parent company, Alphabet Inc., is valued at $2 trillion. Google has already been deploying AI to transform its search engine i nto an answer engine, an effort that has so far helped maintain its perch as the internet's main gateway despite inroads being made by alternatives from the likes of OpenAI and Perplexity. The Justice Department contends a divestiture of the Chrome browser that Google CEO Sundar Pichai helped build nearly 20 years ago would be among the most effective countermeasures against Google continuing to amass massive volumes of browser traffic and personal data that could be leveraged to retain its dominance in the AI era. Executives from both OpenAi and Perplexity testified last month that they would be eager bidders for the Chrome browser if Mehta orders its sale. The debate over Google's fate also has pulled in opinions from Apple, mobile app developers, legal scholars and startups. Apple, which collects more than $20 billion annually to make Google the default search engine on the iPhone and its other devices, filed briefs arguing against the Justice Department's proposed 10-year ban on such lucrative lock-in agreements. Apple told the judge that prohibiting the contracts would deprive the company of money that it funnels into its own research, and that the ban might even make Google even more powerful because the company would be able to hold onto its money while consumers would end up choosing its search engine anyway. The Cupertino, California, company also told the judge a ban wouldn't compel it to build its own search engine to compete against Google. In other filings, a group of legal scholars said the Justice Department's proposed divestiture of Chrome would be an improper penalty that would inject unwarranted government interference in a company's business. Meanwhile, former Federal Trade Commission officials James Cooper and Andrew Stivers warned that another proposal that would require Google to share its data with rival search engines 'does not account for the expectations users have developed over time regarding the privacy, security, and stewardship' of their personal information. Mehta said Friday that compared to some of the Justice Department's other proposals, there was 'less speculation' about what might happen in the broader market if Google were forced to divest of Chrome. Schmidtlein said that was untrue, and such a ruling would be a wild overreach. 'I think that would be inequitable in the extreme,' he said. Dahlquist mocked some of the arguments against divesting Chrome. 'Google thinks it's the only one who can invest things,' he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mahindra Swaraj's multi-pronged strategy to bring inclusivity on shop floor
For decades, the roar of machines in India's manufacturing facilities has largely echoed male dominance. But deep inside Punjab's industrial belt, a quiet but determined revolution is taking shape on the shopfloor of Mahindra & Mahindra's Swaraj Division and Swaraj Engines Limited. A recent case study by The Udaiti Foundation, in collaboration with the Centre for Economic Data and Analysis (CEDA), reveals a remarkable shift: women now make up over 10per cent of the shopfloor workforce, up from a meagre 1.5per cent in 2013. That's a 13-fold increase in just over a decade—from 48 women in FY13 to 736 in FY24 with an aim to keep increasing the numbers. This transformation wasn't accidental. Mahindra implemented a multi-pronged strategy to make its shopfloors more inclusive and supportive. This included customised ergonomics, women-centric safety protocols like pad vending machines and women security guards, targeted skill-building programs, and community engagement to address deep-rooted social biases. The company even categorised its shopfloor zones by physical difficulty to ease women's entry into heavier roles. Departments traditionally seen as off-limits—such as the foundry—now employ women. 32 women currently work in this high-physical-demand zone, a symbol of the cultural and structural shifts underway. Beyond numbers: A blueprint for inclusive growth The study reveals other key insights: -90per cent of women employees are migrants from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh—highlighting the geographic and social leap these women are making. -Attrition among contractual women workers (6per cent ) is significantly higher than permanent ones (1per cent ), indicating job security and long-term prospects remain challenges. -The gender pay gap is marginal (1.74per cent ), primarily due to shorter average tenure (6 years for women vs. 9 years for men). -Only 400 women are enrolled in technical trades across 49 women-only ITIs in Punjab. Regulatory restrictions and family resistance make night shifts difficult, despite growing demand for 24/7 operations. -The company has built partnerships with 15 ITIs, 5 polytechnics, and women-only institutions, and even engages with parents through counselling sessions to break the stigma around women in manufacturing . An inclusive future for Indian manufacturing With India targeting to grow its manufacturing share of GDP from 16per cent to 25per cent by 2047, tapping into its underutilized female workforce is not just socially imperative—it's economically strategic. Mahindra's journey proves that inclusive manufacturing isn't a utopian ideal—it's a replicable reality. The 3G + 1S framework (Gender, Geography, Generation + Specially-abled) is more than a DEI checklist; it's an actionable roadmap. As India celebrates Labour Day this year, this story stands as a timely reminder: true progress in manufacturing won't come from machines alone, but from the minds and hands we empower to run them.
