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Illegal cross-border M'sian drivers claim their S'pore-JB services used by executives for 'important' meetings, taxis not good enough
mothership.sg
In essence, they are arguing that the service might be illegal, but it's good.
October 02, 2025, 07:27 PM
An association that supposedly provides representation for hundreds, if not, thousands of Malaysian cross-border drivers, has issued a statement to express their dissatisfaction with the Singapore authorities for its continued clampdown on illegal cross-border services.
The Oct. 1 statement highlighted the group's gripes about a supposed Sep. 30 clampdown on illegal cross-border services by Singapore authorities.
Regret and disappointment
The statement opened with: "Our association expresses deep regret and disappointment over the large-scale enforcement and arrest operations conducted by the Singaporean authorities at the border checkpoint on Sep. 30."It was reported that day that eight drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded, but the incidents took place over a period of days.
The Sep. 30 clampdown at the checkpoint was likely personally witnessed by at least one Malaysian driver.
Those affected not soliciting
The statement further claimed that "a significant number" of passengers were affected as a result of the clampdown.They were identified as "senior executives from multinational corporations across Europe and Asia, who were invited to Johor Bahru for important business meetings".
This, in turn, has negative consequences for "business activities", the statement added.
Unfair for Malaysian drivers
"Such indiscriminate enforcement actions by the Singaporean authorities are not only grossly unfair to Malaysian drivers, but also risk seriously undermining foreign investors’ confidence in future investments, factory operations, and cross-border business activities between Malaysia and Singapore," the statement said."Seamless transportation and cross-border mobility are among the core considerations for multinational companies when evaluating investment destinations," it was added.
Taking cross-border taxis unrealistic
The association continued by calling the current arrangement of encouraging passengers to take legal cross-border taxi rides "impractical" and "unrealistic".The statement said: "We must candidly point out that such a position is detached from commercial realities. It is simply impractical — and indeed, unrealistic — to expect corporate executives who are accustomed to high-standard chauffeur services to rely on traditional taxis for their business travel needs."
"This approach fails to align with the actual demands of regional business mobility," it was added.Higher quality services?
The statement further defended the interests of illegal cross-border drivers.It claimed that "none of the detained drivers were engaged in soliciting passengers at tourist attractions within Singapore", but focused on "executive transportation services".
The association described their services, deemed illegal by Singapore authorities, as "legitimate", "compliant", and "high-value-added services essential to international business operations".
Double standards of Singapore authorities?
The statement also accused the Singapore authorities of double standards."What is even more unacceptable is that a significant number of Singapore-registered PHV (private-hire vehicle) cars continue to operate openly in major tourist destinations in Johor Bahru, yet the authorities have chosen to turn a blind eye to such activities," the statement said.
It added: "This double standard in enforcement is not only unjust and inconsistent, but also undermines the credibility of Singapore’s stated objective to 'combat illegal passenger transport'."The statement ended with the association urging the Singapore government to reassess its current policy and to engage with the Malaysia authorities "to safeguard the long-term stability of bilateral trade relations and the regional investment environment".
This argument was previously made by a Malaysian business owner, who claimed that illegal cross-border services were more convenient and preferred modes of transport.Singapore working with Malaysia on more options
Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling previously wrote on social media on Sep. 30 that she and LTA have discussed various proposals with the Malaysia authorities to improve the convenience of cross-border taxi services for local commuters.
They include increasing boarding and alighting points, and encouraging more types of vehicles to provide legal cross-border services to serve different passenger needs.To protect Singapore drivers' livelihoods, LTA will "need to make use of technology to track foreign vehicles’ use of our roads", Sun added.
Two taxi companies in Singapore, ComfortDelGro and Strides Premier, have announced their own cross-border taxi services to Johor Bahru, which stops at a fixed location.
Singapore taxis have to head to the Larkin Sentral Terminal in Johor Bahru.Malaysia taxis have to head to Ban San Street Terminal in Rochor.
Top photos via Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association
