A Johor state assemblyman, Andrew Chen, has publicly called on the governments of Malaysia and Singapore to establish a unified regulatory framework for cross-border ride-hailing services, amid growing tension surrounding recent enforcement actions taken by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).
In a Facebook post dated 30 July, Chen highlighted the plight of Malaysian drivers, many of whom have been caught in the crosshairs of Singapore’s intensified crackdown on illegal chauffeur services. He claimed that the current enforcement regime has left many drivers “frustrated and struggling” as they attempt to earn a living through cross-border transport.
“Thousands of livelihoods at stake”
While acknowledging Singapore’s need to maintain traffic order and safety, Chen expressed concern that a “blanket ban” on unauthorised ride-hailing operations unfairly punishes hardworking Malaysians. He stressed that many of these drivers rely heavily on cross-border rides as their primary source of income, and the ripple effect of such restrictions also impacts their families.
Chen’s statement comes at a time when cross-border commuting is gaining renewed attention, particularly with recent bilateral meetings discussing ways to improve transport connectivity between Singapore and Johor Bahru.
Call for collaborative regulation
Labeling cross-border mobility as the “lifeblood” of Malaysia-Singapore relations, Chen urged both governments to move away from unilateral enforcement and towards cooperative regulation. He proposed the development of a “legitimate and fair operational framework”—one that can accommodate the realities of both Malaysian and Singaporean drivers, while still upholding the safety and convenience of passengers.
According to Chen, such a framework should:
- Protect commuter safety,
- Respect Singapore’s domestic transport regulations,
- Recognise Malaysian drivers’ economic needs, and
- Provide a viable, legal pathway for cross-border ride-hailing operations.
LTA maintains strict stance on unauthorised services
Currently, Singapore maintains a firm position on unlicensed ride-hailing services, especially those originating from Malaysia. Only a limited number of licensed taxis under the Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS) are permitted to operate between the two countries, and even then, only within strictly designated pick-up and drop-off points.
Despite growing demand for greater ride flexibility, Singapore has no intention of fully liberalising cross-border point-to-point transport, citing the need to safeguard local taxi and private-hire drivers.
Future remains uncertain
As cross-border travel resumes and expands post-pandemic, the pressure to modernise existing agreements continues to mount. Chen’s remarks reflect broader frustrations among Malaysians who view Singapore’s transport policies as increasingly restrictive, especially for those working in the gig economy.
Whether both governments will be able to forge a new, mutually beneficial system remains to be seen. For now, the call for collaboration has been made—loud and clear.
Singapore Clarifies Cross-Border Ride-Hailing Position Amid Malaysian Reports
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a statement to clarify Singapore’s position on cross-border point-to-point transport, following Malaysian media reports suggesting that Singapore is considering the introduction of cross-border e-hailing services.
While discussions on cross-border transport took place between Singapore and Malaysian officials on 1 August 2025, the LTA stressed that no agreement has been made regarding the launch of ride-hailing services operating between the two countries. Instead, the talks focused on exploring ways to enhance commuter experience, with e-hailing being one of several suggestions discussed.
Current Cross-Border Taxi Scheme Remains in Place
At present, the only sanctioned arrangement is the Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), a reciprocal system that allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each country to operate cross-border trips. However, these taxis are restricted to picking up and dropping off passengers at fixed locations: Singapore taxis at Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru, and Malaysian taxis at Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore.
Interestingly, the current taxi quota has not been fully taken up. To improve convenience for cross-border travellers, the LTA is looking to encourage full utilisation of the CBTS fleet and is even considering increasing the number of designated pick-up and drop-off points. Another potential upgrade is the integration of booking via ride-hailing platforms, though this would only apply to licensed taxis under the CBTS framework.
Changes Will Prioritise Local Driver Interests
In response to concerns about liberalising the market, the LTA made it clear that any changes to the current cross-border arrangements must safeguard the livelihoods of Singapore’s taxi and private-hire drivers. They reiterated that Singapore has no intention of fully opening up its point-to-point transport sector to cross-border e-hailing.
Any adjustment to CBTS policies will also require mutual agreement between both Singapore and Malaysia, underlining the complexity of such cross-border negotiations.
Proposal to Start Cross-Border Bus Services Earlier
Another request from the Malaysian side involved starting cross-border bus operations from Johor Bahru as early as 4:00am, in response to growing early-morning demand. The LTA is currently reviewing this proposal. Key factors under consideration include whether early buses can synchronise with the first wave of Singapore’s MRT and local bus services.
Additionally, authorities are exploring the possibility of private bus operators offering earlier trips at premium fares, potentially easing congestion during the peak cross-border rush.
Looking Ahead
Singapore’s cross-border transport arrangements are clearly evolving, but any significant changes — especially those involving ride-hailing — will be approached with caution. Commuters hoping for more flexible travel options can look forward to gradual improvements, but a full-scale e-hailing cross-border system is not on the immediate horizon.
With both nations recognising the rising demand for smoother cross-border commuting, discussions are expected to continue — but always with an emphasis on fairness, security, and regulatory control.