Touts Hit the Streets But Now in Hiding

In a stunning turn of events, touts in Johor Baru, who were raking in huge profits from illegal ride-hailing services to Singapore, have gone into hiding following a serious crackdown by authorities. These operators, often seen near the bustling Larkin Sentral Terminal, once earned between RM1,650 to RM3,300 (approximately S$500 to S$1,000) a day using luxury vehicles worth over RM500,000.

Impact of the Crackdown: A Win for Licensed Drivers

The coordinated operation by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA), initiated on August 5, specifically targeted Malaysian-registered transport vehicles. This aggressive enforcement continued with Malaysia's own Road Transport Department (JPJ) launching similar measures from August 9. Licensed drivers like Jasmani Yasmi, who has navigated the Johor Baru-Singapore route for 15 years, view the crackdown as a much-needed relief.

“For years, licensed drivers have struggled as these illegal operations thrived without consequences,” Mr. Yasmi stated. He strongly believes that the authorities should also penalize passengers who choose illegal services, knowing full well they’re unlicensed.

Shifts in Passenger Preferences

As a result of the crackdown, there has been a noticeable shift in passenger behavior. According to 60-year-old driver Rosli Ali, more commuters are now opting for the licensed cross-border services that adhere to regulations. Previously, many passengers leaned towards illegal ride-hailing for convenience, especially families benefiting from larger multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).

Call for Compliance and Further Investigation

A representative from Wisma Putra has urged Malaysian vehicle owners to comply with Singapore’s road transport laws to avoid vehicle detentions. This plea comes amid rising efforts by Singaporean authorities to clamp down on illegal operations. The representative emphasized the importance of maintaining proper insurance when operating in Singapore.

The collaboration between the LTA and Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has already proven effective, with 19 drivers apprehended on August 5 alone. Since 2022, a total of 136 illegal drivers have faced repercussions for offering unauthorized cross-border transport, leading to the impounding of their vehicles.

Hope for Regulated Transport

As operations targeting illegal ride-hailing mount, both licensed taxi drivers and government officials remain optimistic. They stress the significance of proper oversight to ensure safe and reliable transport for passengers crossing the Causeway. This crackdown might just signal a turning point for legitimate transport services between Malaysia and Singapore.