Nineteen drivers have been caught for operating unauthorised ride-hailing services within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, following a large-scale enforcement operation carried out on 5 August 2025.
This marks the first time the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have launched a joint operation at a land checkpoint to tackle such offences. Simultaneously, patrols were conducted at known hotspots including Gardens by the Bay and Changi Airport, where additional violators were identified.
In a Facebook post on 6 August, the LTA revealed that the vehicles involved in the illegal operations have since been impounded. While it did not disclose the specific checkpoint targeted, social media footage suggests the crackdown occurred at the Tuas Checkpoint.
Spike in Cross-Border Scam Transport Sparks Concern
Authorities have raised the alarm over the growing trend of illegal cross-border passenger transport, particularly involving foreign-registered vehicles. Since 2022, over 136 drivers have been caught for similar offences, with many losing their vehicles to forfeiture.
Some of these unauthorised drivers had been fined up to $2,600 and were found to have no valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) or the necessary insurance coverage to operate legally. These practices are considered a serious threat to passenger safety, while also undermining the livelihoods of licensed transport providers.
In July alone, 22 drivers were nabbed in two separate operations, with hotspots like Punggol Road, Turf Club Avenue and Changi Airport being frequent targets for such illegal activity.
LTA and Government Intensify Enforcement Against Unlicensed Rides
Senior Minister of State for Transport, Sun Xueling, stressed the government’s commitment to clamp down on these underground ride-hailing services. In a social media post, she highlighted that drivers operating without the appropriate licences and insurance pose serious safety risks to passengers and cause unfair competition for legal operators.
She added that the authorities are actively reviewing the current licensed cross-border taxi scheme, with plans to expand boarding and alighting points, improve access to different vehicle types, and potentially introduce a dedicated booking app for authorised services. These improvements will, however, require bilateral agreement with Malaysian counterparts under existing reciprocal arrangements.
In addition, the Ministry of Home Affairs has encouraged the public to report such illegal services via official channels, including the LTA hotline and the Scam Alert portal.
Legal Repercussions for Illegal Transport Services in Singapore
Under current laws, anyone found offering unauthorised point-to-point or cross-border transport services in Singapore faces a fine of up to $3,000, six months’ jail, or both. Offending vehicles may also be seized and forfeited, especially in repeat or aggravated cases.
Only Singapore- and Malaysia-registered licensed taxis, endorsed by authorities from both nations, are legally permitted to provide cross-border services. These taxis must operate only between designated pick-up and drop-off points, and Malaysia-registered vehicles must also possess an ASEAN Public Service Vehicle Permit.
In response to recent trends, LTA has stepped up patrols in collaboration with the National Private Hire Vehicle Association, while leveraging public tip-offs to identify and investigate offenders more swiftly.
Don’t Get Caught in a Scam: Think Before You Book
While unauthorised ride-hailing may seem like a cheap and convenient alternative, commuters are reminded that such services come with significant risks, including lack of insurance protection and legal recourse in case of accidents or disputes.
If you suspect a ride-hailing service is operating illegally, or if you know someone offering unauthorised rides, do your part by reporting it to the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1800-722-6688 or visit scamalert.sg for more information.