A video emerged online showing a PHV (private hire vehicle) driver going on a racist tirade against a passenger, following an argument over a child seat for the woman’s child, according to The Straits Times.
The Viral Video
The incident came to light when a video recording of the altercation was shared on TikTok by user Rhiley36746. The video was captioned “this Tada driver was being racist to my aunty and younger cousin.”
It was later reposted on Wakeupsingapore‘s Instagram account with a caption that accused the Tada driver of racism towards the passenger and her family. The video quickly gained attention, sparking outrage and condemnation from viewers.
The Child Seat Dispute
The video, which extends for over a minute, begins with the ride already ongoing. The driver is heard in the video emphasizing that the passenger’s child is less than 1.35 meters tall and claiming to have given her a “chance”.
The passenger attempts to explain that her daughter is only nine years old and 1.37 meters in height, but the driver dismisses her explanation, insisting that the regulation specifies a height of 1.35 meters, for child seats.
As the passenger suggests filing a complaint, the driver responds by labeling her actions as illegal. The tension escalates further when the passenger questions the driver about his accusation. The driver appears to accuse the passenger of instructing him to go in the wrong direction, which triggers an aggressive response.
A Shocking Racist Outburst
The most alarming part of the confrontation occurs when the driver makes racially insensitive comments. He tells the passenger, “You are Indian, I am Chinese, you are the very worst customer.”
The passenger, who identifies herself as Singaporean-Eurasian, asserts her heritage, but the driver continues to make racially charged remarks, telling her “no worry, no worry, I know you Indian, I’m Chinee, you trying to be funny with me.”
Amidst the heated exchange, the passenger rightfully calls out the driver for his racism. She points out that there are Singaporean-Indians and condemns the driver’s prejudiced behavior. She told him that “you are racist,” before the video cuts off.
TADA’s response
