The streets of Johor Bahru are witnessing a controversial comeback. After a period of absence, illegal ride-hailing operators are once again offering cross-border services to Singapore, but with a twist. And this time, they're harder to catch.
The illegal operators have changed their tactics. Previously, they used multi-purpose vehicles, but now they've switched to sedans, making it a challenge for Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) to identify them. This strategic move has allowed them to resume their operations, much to the frustration of legal taxi drivers.
Here's the catch: These illicit services are not only back but also charging higher fares. The price has risen from S$30 (RM98) to S$35 (RM114) per person, according to a Malaysian taxi driver who has been working the route for over a decade. And they're offering door-to-door services within Singapore, which is a privilege not granted to Malaysian-registered taxis.
But here's where it gets controversial: Malaysian cab drivers are calling for action, urging the LTA to crack down on these illegal operators. They believe that the only way to stop this practice is for Singapore authorities to take action against the passengers, potentially even charging them in court. This raises an important question: Should passengers be held accountable for using illegal services?
Furthermore, the Malaysian drivers are advocating for a change in regulations. They want Malaysian-registered cross-border taxis to be allowed to provide door-to-door services in Singapore, just like their Singaporean counterparts. Currently, only Singapore-registered taxis have this privilege, while Malaysian taxis are restricted to specific drop-off points.
Engaging in such illegal cross-border services is a serious offense, carrying a fine of up to $3,000 or even a jail term of up to six months. So, will the authorities step up their game to tackle this issue? And what do you think? Should passengers be penalized for using these services? Share your thoughts below!
