14 drivers caught providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services in joint LTA-ICA operation
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A total of 14 drivers were caught providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services during a joint enforcement operation by the LTA and ICA at Singapore’s land checkpoints on May 25.
PHOTO: SUN XUELING/FACEBOOK
SINGAPORE – A total of 14 drivers were caught providing illegal cross-border ride-hailing services on May 25, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said in a Facebook post on the same day.
The drivers were discovered during a joint enforcement operation by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at Singapore’s land checkpoints.
Ms Sun wrote: “Over the past few weeks, LTA has been conducting islandwide operations, at locations such as Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay, as part of our continued efforts to safeguard commuter safety and protect the livelihoods of our local point-to-point drivers from illegal cross-border transport services.
“Since July 2025, over 3,900 vehicles have been checked, and 199 vehicles have been impounded.”
In a separate Facebook post, the LTA said it was acting on tip-offs from the National Private Hire Vehicles Association and National Taxi Association. All vehicles involved were impounded, it added.
Drivers caught providing illegal ride-hailing services may face fines of up to $3,000 and/or six months’ jail, with possible vehicle forfeiture, LTA said.
Ms Sun said: “With the school holidays coming up, please travel safe and engage licensed cross-border transport service providers.
“We will continue to work closely with our Malaysian counterparts to improve cross-border travel arrangements.”
The checks come after recent enhancements to cross-border taxi services between Singapore and Malaysia.
Since May 4, Grab users in Singapore have been able to book cross-border rides from anywhere on the island to destinations in Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai at least 12 hours in advance.
Besides existing pickup points at Ban San Street Terminal and Larkin Terminal, three new designated pickup points are now available in each country via ride-hailing apps.
