Singapore cracks down on 19 drivers offering illegal cross-border ride-hailing to Malaysia

By Phong Ngo August 6, 2025 | 08:33 pm PT

Nineteen drivers were apprehended for offering illegal ride-hailing services in Singapore and across the Malaysia border, following a joint enforcement operation at major checkpoints and public venues.

The drivers were apprehended on Tuesday following a joint operation by Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, which targeted illegal ride-hailing activities at a land checkpoint, as well as through LTA patrols at Gardens by the Bay and Changi Airport.

Offering point-to-point transport services or cross-border rides without a valid Public Service Vehicle Licence (PSVL) is an offence punishable by a fine of up to SGD$3,000 (US$2,336), a jail term of up to six months, or both, according to The Straits Times.

The vehicles involved can also be seized. Only taxis registered in Singapore and Malaysia and approved by both countries' authorities are permitted to offer cross-border services, with designated pick-up and drop-off locations. In addition to the PSVL, Malaysia-registered taxis must also hold an Asean Public Service Vehicle Permit.

Singapore's Changi airport. Photo from Pexels

Senior Minister of State for Transport, Sun Xueling, explained in a Facebook post that the crackdown aims to address drivers without proper licences and insurance.

"Such services put passengers at risk, and harm the livelihoods of law-abiding licensed drivers," she said. Sun also clarified that the intent is not to inconvenience passengers, who frequently travel to Malaysia for various reasons.

Authorities are working to improve the licensed cross-border taxi scheme by expanding pick-up and drop-off points, encouraging more taxis to join the scheme, and introducing a user-friendly booking app.

"As these are reciprocal arrangements that we have with Malaysia, these changes have to be agreed by both Governments," she added.

Since 2022, LTA has apprehended 136 drivers offering illegal cross-border transport services, with their foreign-registered vehicles impounded, as reported by Mothership. In the latest round of enforcement, 12 drivers were apprehended in one week for offering illegal ride-hailing services, following a previous operation on July 18 at Changi Airport, where 10 drivers were caught.