(Johor Baru) More Malaysian workers who commute daily to Singapore now opt to cross the Causeway by foot.

Many said they were worried of being late at work after experiencing severe traffic congestion at the checkpoints to enter Singapore starting 18 May.

Some spent four hours to reach their workplace in Singapore and reminded others who commute to Singapore on a daily basis to leave home earlier.

One left home at 4.30am and reached office at 9am.

Singapore announced its decision to tighten security at the border crossings with Malaysia following the attack on Ulu Tiram police station on 17 May.

The number of people who crossed the Causeway by foot increased by 30% on 21 May.

Shaun, a chef from Malaysia, who used to commute by bus to Singapore, said he walked about 30 minutes to enter Singapore.

He was late for work a day before due to the traffic congestion where Singapore authorities carried out stringent checks starting 19 May.

“Walking is faster than taking a bus,’’ he said.

Alan, a self-employed Singaporean, said he spent a night in a hotel in Johor Bahru after seeing the long queue at checkpoints and returned home in Singapore the next day.

Alan, who used to shop in  Johor Bahru every week, said he may opt to commute once a month now.

Two policemen were killed while another was injured in the attack by a 21-year-old man at the Ulu Tiram police station. The attacker was also killed.

Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry announced in a statement that it has heightened its security measures, including at its checkpoints, following the attack.

The ministry said travellers going through its checkpoints should expect some delays due to increased security measures.