The number of foreigners entering Singapore illegally and staying on without papers fell to an 11-year low last year. SMU Assistant Professor Eugene Tan said given Singapore's role as a major trans-shipment hub, the significant tourist arrivals and movement of people between Singapore and Malaysia through the Causeway, the figures were to some extent impressive. On ICA's concerns that smugglers are now more creative in coming up with new ways to conceal their illegal cargo, Professor Tan said the greater vigilance and security post-Sept 11 had made it harder for immigration offenders and contraband to be brought in. While authorities tried to look out for terrorists or items that could be used in terrorist plots, there will be incidental effects of picking up the minor transgressions as well.
The Straits Times