HGV Drivers Stranded at Second Link

Heavy goods vehicle drivers remain stranded in prolonged traffic congestion at the Second Link expressway connecting Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to Tuas, Singapore, with authorities confirming no immediate resolution to the bottleneck affecting cross-border freight movement.

The delay, which began early on April 19, 2026, has left dozens of lorries and their drivers immobilized in queues stretching several kilometres on the Malaysian approach to the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex checkpoint, according to traffic updates from the Johor Police Contingent and the Malaysia Automotive Institute.

Drivers interviewed by NST Online reported being stationary for over eight hours with limited access to restroom facilities, drinking water, or food supplies. Many expressed frustration over the lack of real-time updates from immigration or customs officials on either side of the border.

“We’ve been stuck since 4 a.m. With no indication of when we’ll move,” said one long-haul driver from Perak who declined to be named. “Engines are idling, fuel is running low, and we’re not being told whether the issue is at Malaysian immigration, Singaporean customs, or both.”

Officials from Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) confirmed that the congestion stems from enhanced security screening procedures implemented at the Tuas checkpoint following updated bilateral protocols between Malaysia and Singapore. These checks, introduced earlier in April 2026, involve additional document verification and cargo inspections for vehicles carrying controlled goods.

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) did not respond to requests for comment by publication time. However, traffic data from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) showed average clearance times for heavy vehicles at Tuas had increased from 20 minutes to over 90 minutes during peak hours since the protocol changes took effect.

Industry representatives warn that prolonged delays are disrupting just-in-time supply chains for manufacturers in Johor’s industrial zones and Singapore’s western districts. The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) estimated that each hour of delay costs the logistics sector approximately RM1.2 million in lost productivity and perishable goods spoilage.

As of 10:00 a.m. Local time on April 19, the queue extended approximately 8 kilometres along the Jalan Sultan Ibrahim route toward the Second Link plaza, with no alternate routing available for heavy vehicles due to weight and size restrictions on local roads.

Authorities advise drivers to remain with their vehicles, conserve resources, and monitor official channels for updates. Contingency plans, including temporary rest stations and mobile food units, are being evaluated by the Johor State Secretary’s office but have not yet been deployed.