In a coordinated enforcement operation on 18 July, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) impounded 10 vehicles and apprehended their drivers for providing unauthorised ride-hailing services, including illegal cross-border transport to and from Malaysia. This operation followed a tip-off from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and took place at Changi Airport.
According to LTA’s public statement, these offenders were operating without the required Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL), rendering their services illegal and unsafe. Many of them were reportedly offering point-to-point rides within Singapore and cross-border trips into Johor and other parts of Malaysia, raising serious safety and insurance concerns.
Authorities Warn of Safety and Legal Risks
LTA reminded the public that using unlicensed ride-hailing services exposes both drivers and passengers to significant risks. These unauthorised operators often lack proper insurance coverage, meaning passengers may not be protected in the event of an accident. Beyond safety, the illegal nature of such operations undermines the livelihood of legitimate drivers who comply with licensing requirements.
Under Singapore law, drivers found guilty of offering such services face penalties of up to S$3,000 in fines and/or six months’ imprisonment. In more severe cases, their vehicles may also be permanently forfeited.
Authorities are stepping up surveillance and inspections at key hotspots such as airports, customs checkpoints, and even popular ride-hailing congregation points like Seah Im Food Centre and Mustafa Centre.
Cross-Border Travel Dilemma: Limited Legal Options
Following the news, many Singaporeans and travellers took to social media to express frustration over the lack of clear legal alternatives for cross-border journeys, especially from Changi Airport to destinations like Johor Bahru, Senai or Desaru. Some netizens suggested workarounds such as:
- Booking a Singapore taxi to Woodlands Checkpoint, walking across, then booking a Malaysian Grab or InDrive vehicle.
- Using car-sharing options within legal limits.
- Booking limousine services, though questions remain about their legality across the border.
Commenters also pointed out that illegal operators often use tactics like vehicle-switching or Telegram groups to avoid detection. Calls for heavier penalties and more consistent enforcement were echoed across public discussions.
Strong Demand Driving Black Market Services
Despite the risks, the affordability and convenience of these underground ride services continue to attract demand. As one Facebook user noted, “These rides are so much cheaper. How to fight? Demand very strong.”
Still, enforcement authorities stress that affordability should not come at the cost of safety. The LTA, in partnership with NPHVA and other tripartite stakeholders, has pledged to increase efforts to clamp down on such unauthorised operators and better educate the public about legal alternatives.
Until more regulated cross-border transport options become accessible and affordable, the cat-and-mouse game between enforcement officers and illegal drivers looks set to continue.