Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Progress and Plans on the Full Implementation of the Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System at the Land Checkpoints

Question:

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether an update can be provided on the progress and the plans on the full implementation of the Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System at the land checkpoints in Singapore; and (b) whether such similar systems will be extended to commercial goods vehicles.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1. The Automated Passenger In-Car Clearance System (APICS) is jointly developed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX). It integrates features such as contactless biometric scanners, sensors, and cameras to provide a secure, seamless, and comfortable clearance experience for drivers and their passengers.

2. ICA and HTX completed a live trial for APICS at the Old Woodlands Checkpoint in 2022. During the trial, 94 per cent of travellers were able to self-clear without officers’ assistance. ICA and HTX are working to further improve the system and processes before deploying APICS progressively at Tuas Checkpoint from 2026 and the redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint from 2028. Beyond cars, a similar system for the clearance of commercial goods vehicles will also be introduced progressively in the same timeframe.