A late-night private-hire ride in Johor Bahru has sparked widespread concern after a group of women claimed their driver turned up dressed only in his underwear. The incident, which has since circulated on social media, has raised fresh questions about passenger safety when using ride-hailing services across the Causeway.
According to an account shared online, the group had booked a car through the ride-hailing application Maxim for a journey close to midnight. When the vehicle arrived and the passengers entered, they were allegedly shocked to discover that the male driver was not properly clothed and was wearing only underwear at the time.
The passenger who shared the experience said the situation immediately made the group uneasy. As all the passengers were women, they reportedly felt frightened and vulnerable, particularly given the late hour and unfamiliar surroundings.
REQUEST TO DRESS PROPERLY DID LITTLE TO EASE FEARS
The woman claimed that her mother asked the driver to at least put on a shirt, which he eventually did. However, she alleged that the driver remained without trousers throughout the ride. A photograph shared online appears to show the man wearing a light-coloured T-shirt while his legs remained uncovered.
Despite the driver’s partial compliance, the passengers said the experience continued to feel unsafe. The woman explained that the incident left them shaken and prompted her to warn others, especially women who travel alone or frequently commute between Singapore and Johor Bahru.
She added that this was her first time using the Maxim platform and that the experience had significantly affected her confidence in booking private-hire vehicles late at night. The post quickly drew reactions from netizens, many of whom expressed concern over safety standards and driver screening processes.
RIDE-HAILING SAFETY AND REGULATORY BACKGROUND
Maxim is a ride-hailing company that originated in Russia and operates in multiple countries, including Malaysia. In the past, its operations in Malaysia have come under regulatory scrutiny. The company was previously ordered to halt services after authorities found it operating without the necessary approvals.
More recently, however, the company received official clearance to resume e-hailing services nationwide after meeting regulatory requirements. This development makes the alleged incident particularly troubling for passengers who expect minimum professional standards once a platform is legally authorised to operate.
The case has reignited discussions around passenger protection, personal safety, and whether existing safeguards, insurance coverage, and driver monitoring measures are sufficient. Many Singaporeans who regularly cross the border rely heavily on private-hire vehicles for convenience, especially during late hours.
As the story continues to circulate, it serves as a stark reminder for commuters to remain vigilant and to report any incident that feels unsafe. For passengers, particularly women, the episode underscores the importance of choosing reputable services, sharing ride details with trusted contacts, and prioritising personal security when travelling at night.