JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - Thousands of heavy vehicles have been stuck for as long as 38 hours at the Singapore checkpoint, delaying the transportation of goods.

Lorries and trucks, which used to make three to four trips in two days to the republic, could now do only one or two trips in three days.

Johor Baru Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCCI) president Datuk Soh Poh Sheng, who expressed concern over the situation, said they were now seeking help from the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore to look into the problem.

"We cannot allow the problem to persist. The lorry drivers don't have time to eat or even go for toilet breaks," he said, adding that at least 2,300 lorries transported goods from Malaysia to Singapore daily.

"The association sent a letter to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce on March 5 but did not receive any reply," he added.

The massive queues are the result of heightened security checks and searches for terrorist Mas Selamat Kastari, who escaped late last month.

Soh hoped more lanes would be opened up and additional personnel deployed to speed up inspection.

"Sometimes it takes up to 90 minutes to inspect each vehicle. Singaporean authorities should take immediate action to alleviate the problem," he said.

He said some of the drivers had no choice but to sleep in their vehicles on reaching the Malaysian checkpoint which closes at 11pm.

"They will then continue their journey when the checkpoint opens at 6am the next day," he said.

Soh said the problem at the checkpoint had resulted in losses for both Malaysian suppliers and Singaporean importers.