Singapore authorities have stepped up enforcement against illegal cross-border ride-hailing services, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announcing that another 16 drivers have been caught operating without the required licences.
The enforcement operation was carried out at Singapore’s land checkpoints and within the downtown area, following information received from members of the public and industry partners. Every vehicle involved in the latest offences has been impounded as investigations continue.
The latest arrests highlight the authorities’ ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed transport services that operate between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly as demand for cross-border travel continues to grow.
Authorities Act On Industry Tip-Offs
According to LTA, the operation was supported by regular tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Taxi Association (NTA), allowing enforcement officers to identify drivers allegedly providing illegal ride-hailing services.
Under Singapore law, anyone convicted of offering unauthorised cross-border ride-hailing services can face a fine of up to S$3,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. In addition, the courts may order that the vehicle used in the offence be forfeited.
The authority stressed that enforcement against illegal operators will continue, warning drivers against providing transport services without the appropriate licences and approvals.
Public Advised To Use Authorised Cross-Border Transport
LTA has also reminded commuters to book only authorised cross-border transport services to ensure their safety and receive protection under Singapore’s transport regulations.
Travellers heading to destinations such as Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai are encouraged to use recognised services, including Grab’s authorised cross-border rides or Singapore-registered cross-border taxis. These licensed operators are permitted to pick up passengers from anywhere in Singapore before travelling into Malaysia.
The authority also encouraged members of the public to report suspected illegal transport operators through its online reporting platform to help keep the industry safe and properly regulated.
Online Reactions Divided Over Passenger Responsibility
The enforcement action sparked discussion on social media, with many Singaporeans supporting the crackdown while suggesting that tougher measures should also be introduced for passengers who knowingly use illegal transport services.
Several commenters argued that penalising commuters who choose unlicensed rides would help reduce demand, claiming that enforcement should target both drivers and customers. Some even proposed fines of at least S$500 for passengers who deliberately engage illegal operators despite being aware of the risks.
Others praised LTA’s continued enforcement efforts, saying that removing illegal ride-hailing operators helps protect legitimate taxi and private-hire drivers who comply with licensing requirements and safety regulations.
As cross-border travel between Singapore and Malaysia continues to recover, authorities are expected to maintain strict enforcement against illegal transport services while urging commuters to prioritise licensed operators for safer and more reliable journeys.