Latest news with #WesakDay
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Queue-jumpers at Causeway and Second Link risk U-turn and blacklist
SINGAPORE: Motorists have been warned, queue-jumping at the Causeway or Second Link land checkpoints may result in a forced U-turn and possible blacklisting by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). With traffic expected to spike during the June school holidays and the Hari Raya Haji weekend (June 6 to 9), the ICA has intensified enforcement against errant drivers attempting to cut queues at the Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints. The authority reminded motorists that officers stationed on the ground, supported by its central operations team, will not hesitate to flag down queue-jumpers. Offending vehicles will be turned around and ordered to rejoin the back of the queue. Drivers who fail to comply risk more severe consequences, including being barred from entering the checkpoints in the future. The ICA also warned that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage would be used as evidence in cases of dispute over queue-cutting. In a Facebook post, the authority said that during the recent Wesak Day long weekend (May 8 to 13), more than three million travellers crossed both land checkpoints, with traffic peaking at over 546,000 travellers on May 9 alone. Long waits, at times stretching up to five hours, were not uncommon during public holidays. The ICA said that congestion tends to worsen during rainy weather, particularly when motorcyclists face difficulties with biometric clearance due to wet fingerprints. Motorists were also cautioned against abusive behaviour at checkpoints, which could result in being referred to the Secondary Office for further investigation. To minimise delays, the ICA advised travellers to observe road etiquette, refrain from unnecessary honking, and avoid bringing prohibited or controlled items when crossing into Singapore. Meanwhile, Johor police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department deputy chief, Deputy Superintendent Noor Azman Mat Sani, said strict enforcement will be carried out at both land checkpoints. "We will continue to monitor traffic closely and issue summonses without compromise to any motorist caught committing offences, including queue-cutting," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today. He also urged all motorists to obey traffic rules, plan their journeys, remain alert on the road, and prioritise safety at all times.
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Planning a trip to Malaysia in June? Brace for hours-long jams at Singapore checkpoints
SINGAPORE, May 23 — The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) here has warned travellers to expect 'very heavy' traffic at land checkpoints with Malaysia during the June school holidays and Hari Raya Haji weekend. The congestion period will span from May 31 to June 29 for school holidays, with an additional surge expected during the Hari Raya Haji long weekend from June 6 to 9, CNA reported. Travellers should consequently expect much longer waiting times to clear immigration during these peak periods. The authority also advised motorists checking traffic conditions before beginning any journey to the checkpoints. Cross-border bus services are recommended as an alternative to avoid the worst of the vehicle congestion. During the recent Wesak Day weekend in May, car travellers faced waiting times of up to three hours due to traffic backup from Malaysia. The ICA stressed that travellers must cooperate with officers and maintain proper traffic discipline. More than 3 million people crossed both land checkpoints during the Wesak Day period, with over 546,000 clearing immigration on the peak day of May 9. ICA has warned it will take action against those who fail to follow instructions during the busy travel period.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
RM1.2mil allocation for Buddhist, Taoist houses of worship
The Selangor state-level Wesak Day celebration at Maha Karuna Vihara in Shah Alam included multicultural dance performances. OVER 150 Buddhist and Taoist houses of worship will benefit from a RM1.2mil allocation under Selangor's Five Religions Financial Aid Scheme (Limas) for 2025. The allocation was presented during the state-level Wesak Day celebration at Maha Karuna Vihara in Elmina, Shah Alam. State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the aid could be used for repairs, maintenance and upgrades of religious facilities. 'Through Limas, we have channelled systematic yearly allocations to temples, churches and viharas,' said Ng, who co-chairs the state's Special Committee on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism. 'This year, RM1.2mil is being disbursed to Buddhist and Taoist houses of worship under phase one of Limas 2025.' Ng (second from right) presenting the RM1.2mil mock cheque to (from left) Sri Saranankara, Ming Ji and Chean Kiat during the state-level Wesak Day celebrations. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star Ng said Selangor had provided such support since 2009, reflecting its long-term commitment to religious harmony, inclusion and cultural preservation. The celebration was jointly organised by Selangor government and Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM), with support from Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council and Maha Karuna Buddhist Society. TBCM president Tan Leng Huat said, 'Our national theme for Wesak this year is 'Empathy and Wisdom based on Harmony'. 'It means using empathy and wisdom as the stimulant for harmonious living.' Tan said the inclusion of multicultural dance performances, including a 'Tarian Muhibah' at the event represented major ethnic identities through a single choreographed piece. Buddhist temple chief high priest B. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera said the presence of multiple Buddhist traditions and representatives from other faiths was a reflection of Malaysia's strength in diversity. Present were Selangor Economic Planning Unit (local authority section) deputy director Mohd Sha'walludin Aziz, Selangor State Assembly Speaker Lau Weng San, Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling and Kota Kemuning assemblyman S. Preakas. Venerable Jue Cheng, the Fo Guang Shan chief abbess for temples in Singapore, Malaysia, India and Thailand also attended, as did Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia secretary-general Daozhang Lau Chean Kiat, Malaysian Buddhist Association Selangor and Kuala Lumpur branch chairman Venerable Ming Ji and Malaysian Buddhist Consultative Council president Lilian Tay.
The Star
17-05-2025
- General
- The Star
When living in peace is the hardest
IT has been a week of days. We had Mothers Day last Sunday, followed by Wesak Day, Nurses Day and Teachers Day. All were celebrated – some with love and others with respect and compassion. Yesterday also marked another important day in the international calendar. And this is probably the single hardest day to observe for most human beings.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Dazzling floats brighten parade
THIS year's Wesak Day procession in Penang was a spectacle for the senses, featuring a series of performances and floats adorned with thousands of flowers. There were also a glistening Bodhi tree, towering inflatable Buddha statues and a LED screen displaying the story of Buddha. Devotees followed with flowers in hand, offering prayers as the floats paused every few metres along the route in George Town. Children were seen singing and wishing onlookers a Happy Wesak Day, while monks chanted prayers. Walking behind one of the floats was Ong Chin Chai, 56, who was spotted pushing his three dogs in a stroller. Ong stood out among the parade participants as his two poodles and a Pomeranian were seen enjoying their evening. 'Every year, I go to pray during Wesak Day, but this is my first time following the procession,' said Ong. Ang (right) with his wife and children checking outone of the floats. 'This year I want to give thanks for the blessings in my life, and decided to walk the entire length of the procession. 'I am used to taking my dogs out and wanted them to experience the celebration this year as well. They enjoy it and do not mind the loud music and chanting,' said the e-hailing driver. Yeoh Ban Aik, 46, who runs a cafe, said while he could not walk the entire stretch, he wanted his children to experience seeing the different types of floats every year. 'We make it a point to come pray and then I take my kids to walk around and see the floats before the start of the procession. 'My children are now nine and four, and perhaps when they are older we will walk with the floats,' he said. 'It is important to educate the young ones about Buddha's teachings and it's nice to do so during a celebration,' Yeoh added. Manager Ang Wei Cheng, 40, drove over from mainland Penang to the island to see the Wesak procession. 'This year I thought it would be nice for my three children to see the procession. We sat by the roadside and watched it together,' he said. Devotees from Buddhist Triple Wisdom Hall taking part in the float procession. Ang said as a Buddhist, he observed being vegetarian on Wesak Day. 'It is not a new year or festival for us; rather it is a time to celebrate Buddha's life and teachings. 'It is nice that the floats in many ways depict his life's story,' he said. The Wesak Day procession began at 6.30pm from Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) in Burma Road. Themed 'Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony', this year's celebration featured over 20 floats in the grand parade. The parade has been organised by the Penang Wesak Celebrations committee since 1949. The ornately decorated floats from various associations and temples, all depicting Buddha, followed a 7km route starting and ending at the MBA building. The procession moved along Kelawei Road and Burma Lane, where the Burmese Buddhist Temple and the Siamese Reclining Buddha Temple are located. The route continued onto another stretch of Burma Road, followed by Peel Avenue, Macalister Road, Perak Road and Anson Road before returning to MBA after dark. SMJK Phor Tay students putting on a drum performance during the celebration. Penang Wesak Day Celebrations committee chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun said this year marked the 2,569th commemoration of the Thrice Blessed Day of Gautama Buddha, honouring his birth, enlightenment and attainment of Mahaparinirvana. He said the celebration was an opportunity to unite a community in faith. 'I hope that mutual respect would be practised among all individuals, as it is the foundation of national harmony,' he said. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour, said the annual float procession, rich in spiritual and cultural symbolism, continued to reflect Penang's vibrant multicultural harmony and shared values. 'Each year during Wesak, beautifully decorated floats parade through the streets, with devotees offering prayers in reverence. 'These celebrations attract people of all ethnicities and visitors, making it not only a religious observance but a vibrant display of unity and harmony,' he said.
