Singapore Government Press Release

On 8.9.99 at about 2115 hours, Immigration officers conducted a check on a Malaysian registered Proton Wira car no. JDX 6986 at the Woodlands Checkpoint Departure Section. During the check, 3 female Thai immigration offenders were found hiding in the car boot. The Malaysian driver and the 3 Thai nationals were arrested for trafficking and illegal departure respectively. The car was seized.

Investigation revealed that the Malaysian trafficker was recruited by another Malaysian to convey the 3 immigration offenders out of Singapore illegally by car. The Malaysian driver claimed that he had picked up the 3 Thai nationals at Woodlands Town Centre before he made his way to Woodlands Checkpoint for departure. He was promised RM$140/- for each immigration offender conveyed out of Singapore. As for the 3 female Thai nationals, they had overstayed in Singapore for a period of about 4 months to 1 year. They claimed they were engaged in prostitution and had paid a sum of S$350/- each to a Chinese man for the arrangement to depart Singapore illegally.

The accused persons were charged in court and convicted:

We will also apply to the Court for forfeiture of the car.

Singapore Immigration and Registration takes a serious view of attempts by foreigners to enter into or depart from Singapore illegally. Security checks on passengers and vehicles at all checkpoints have been stepped up. Under the Immigration Act (Cap 133), the trafficker faces a mandatory jail term of up to 5 years plus 3 strokes of the cane. An abettor faces a jail term of up to 2 years and a fine of up to S$6,000. An overstayer faces a fine up to $4,000/- or a jail term up to 6 months or both if he remains unlawfully for a period up to 90 days. He shall face a jail term up to 6 months plus a minimum of 3 strokes of the cane and in lieu of caning, a fine of up to S$6,000/- if he remains unlawfully for a period exceeding 90 days.

For clarification, the media may contact Mrs Sharon Wong at Tel: 3916187 or fax their queries to Fax: 2987869.

Singapore Immigration & Registration

11 Sep 99