1959–1995
Struggles & strife
Feb 1959
The Causeway faced all-day traffic jams during Chinese New Year; 2,500 cars passed every hour. Customs offices were crammed with confiscated firecrackers
Apr 16, 1959
Chaos at the Causeway again after it was stipulated that all travellers entering from Singapore must be vaccinated against smallpox
Jul 1966
Immigration controls implemented. Travellers must produce identity cards to be let through
PHOTO: BT FILE
PHOTO: BT FILE
1967
Singapore Restricted Passports, required
for travel between Singapore and West Malaysia, were issued
PHOTO: BT FILE
Oct 1, 1969
2,000 Singaporeans employed in Johor Bahru, most of whom were factory workers, were barred from entering Malaysia in a shock move. They were told their visitor passes had expired. This led to a three-hour jam
PHOTO: BT FILE
Jan 1972
Long-haired men were refused entry across the customs under ‘Operation Snip Snip’ unless they got a haircut. Singapore wanted to wipe out hippie culture and drug habits associated with it
Those who had urgent business to attend to made do with
a quick haircut at a barber near the checkpoint. Photo: BT file
1976
To meet growing traffic volumes, the Causeway was widened to six lanes. The
S$9 million project included a reinforced concrete wall, a footpath the entire length
of the Causeway, hand railings and street lighting
PHOTO: BT FILE
Oct 17, 1976
Power failure at 5 pm plunged the Causeway into darkness – and chaos. Officers worked in candlelight through hours of congestion. Electricity was restored at 10 pm
May 16, 1977
The new S$13 million Woodlands Checkpoint, eventually equipped with computerised systems, went into operation
PHOTO: BT FILE
Jun 1984
Malaysia imposed a toll on all vehicles, except motorcycles, leaving Johor Bahru and entering Johor
Feb 6, 1987
Former Indonesian President Suharto crossed the Causeway into Singapore for an overnight stay and talks with then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew
PHOTO: BT FILE
Apr 1988
An instant urine-testing machine was installed at Woodlands Checkpoint to catch drug traffickers and addicts. In 1989, more than 1,400 foreigners tested positive and were denied entry, while 121 Singaporeans failed the test
Apr 1989
The controversial half-tank bill was passed in Parliament, making it an offence for any Singapore-registered vehicle to leave the country without at least half a tank of petrol. Offenders could be fined up to S$500
Sep 1989
The Woodlands checkpoint was to be extended, at the expense of Kampong Lorong Fatimah. Situated by the checkpoint, it was the only village in Singapore guarded by an immigration outpost and residents had to show their identity cards or passports to enter or exit. Nearly 100 households moved into Housing and Development Board flats
PHOTO: BT FILE
Feb 4, 1991
The half-tank rule was revised to three-quarters
Jul 7, 1995
Singapore cars entering Malaysia must be fitted with third brake lights, else they will be fined S$171
