ICA refutes report that Woodlands Checkpoint power outage resulted in Causeway, JB congestion
In its account of what happened, ICA said a build-up of Singapore-bound traffic occurred amid planned electrical maintenance works, while two vehicle breakdowns on the Malaysian side of the Causeway subsequently contributed to traffic tailing back into Malaysia.
On November 4, 2026, the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) confirmed that there was no power outage at the Woodlands Checkpoint, dispelling a media report that suggested otherwise. Instead, the heavy traffic congestion along the Causeway was attributed to lorry breakdowns on the Malaysian side of the Causeway.
The ICA revealed that planned electrical maintenance works were carried out at the Old Woodlands Checkpoint on the same day, from 10am to 2pm. During this period, the Old Woodlands Checkpoint was temporarily unavailable for lorry clearance, but operations at Woodlands Checkpoint continued without issue.
As a result, some Singapore-bound cargo traffic built up on the Causeway during the maintenance works. The ICA spokesperson stated that traffic congestion on the Causeway was exacerbated by the higher volume of vehicles during the evening peak period.
Two lorries broke down on the Malaysian side of the Causeway, at approximately 4:30pm and 6:30pm, respectively. These breakdowns blocked one of the three arrival lanes, leading to traffic queues extending into Malaysia. The first lorry was removed at 9:50pm that evening, while the second lorry was finally cleared around 12:22am the following day, November 5, 2026.
To alert travelers to the vehicle breakdowns and expected delays, the ICA posted advisories on its Facebook page. They also notified travelers when the affected lane was reopened.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- ICA refutes report that Woodlands Checkpoint power outage resulted in Causeway, JB congestion channelnewsasia.com
- No power outage at Woodlands Checkpoint on Nov 4, Singapore ICA says Causeway jam was worsened by lorry breakdowns malaymail.com
- Two stalled lorries, not power outage, caused Causeway gridlock, says Singapore ICA nst.com.my
