Would like to share an experience I had with the Mudland authorities.
I had decided to make a quick turnaround trip to JB a couple of days ago. On seeing the traffic jam at the causeway I parked my car at Woodlands Centre and took a ride on bus 170 into JB.
No problem crossing Woodlands checkpoint but problem at the Mudland immigration. As I presented my passport to the officer manning the counter, he took some time to scrutinise my passport. He requested me to fingerprint both my index fingers. I dunno what he saw but he called another officer over and both of them had a discussion. I was then told they would like to interview me and led me to a room at another part of the building. What the hell is going on?
Inside the room they started to question me on my travel history, about the places I had been to and the whys and what I have been up to in those places.
They seem especially interested in the Philippines and asked a lot of questions about my trips there. But the thing was, my last trip to the PI was more than a year ago and it was a short 3D2N stay at AC. They conducted a search on me and went through the contents of my hand phone including browsing my Facebook and wechat accounts and contacts list. Luckily this was my work mobile and "clean" while all my naughty stuff were in the other handphone.
After about 3 hrs of Q&A, I was allowed to enter Mudland but my mood was already gone so I just u-turn and came back to SG. Before I left the room I asked the interviewers why was I targeted. Apparently it was because my passport had the Philippines "chop" showing that I had visited that country and they are on alert for travellers who had been to the PI.
The Mudland authorities have stepped up security checks for the coming festive season and those of you who had been to the PI may find yourself in a similar situation, so be prepared if you are lucky and happen to be the "Chosen One" like me.
