Updated: 01/04/2013 01:14

Four men arrested for immigration offences at the Woodlands Checkpoint

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Four men have been arrested at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority ( ICA ) said officers directed a departing Malaysia-registered car for checks.

When the driver opened the car boot for physical inspection, two men were found hiding inside.

The 36-year-old Malaysian driver, the 55-year-old Malaysian passenger and the two Indian nationals, 51 and 31 years of age, were arrested.

The vehicle has been detained and is liable for forfeiture.

The ICA says it takes a serious view of attempts to overstay, enter or depart Singapore illegally.

Under the Immigration Act , the penalties for overstaying or illegal entry are a jail term of up to six months plus a minimum of three strokes of the cane.

The penalties for illegal departure is a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.