KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 21): Singapore immigration authorities stopped three Malaysians whose car drove past the Johor checkpoint on Saturday, after they tried to avoid the congestion at the Tuas Second Link, The Straits Times (ST) reports.

The republic's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said investigations showed they were trying to avoid the congestion believed to have been caused by stricter security measures following last month's terrorist attacks in Paris.

Malaysian immigration then alerted the Singapore side, who then escorted the three Singapore work permit holders back to Johor Baru customs, the report said.

There have been heightened security measures at the busy border checkpoint, which has to cope with some 430,000 travellers during the current end-of-year peak season.

ST also reported of massive traffic jams at the Woodlands Checkpoint in recent days as people travel to take advantage of the school and festive holidays.

Last month, Singapore announced heightened security at its air and naval bases following the Paris terrorist attacks which left at least 120 people dead.

The island-state is a close US trade and security partner. and hosts the offices and facilities of thousands of multinational corporations.

The authorities have in the past said they foiled a plot to bomb US and other foreign targets and arrested several militants in the process.