Taxi and private-hire drivers in Singapore are taking matters into their own hands by documenting suspected illegal ride-hailing activities, many of which involve Malaysia-registered vehicles.

Using their mobile phones, some drivers have been recording photos and videos of these so-called “pirate taxis” operating around Singapore, before submitting the evidence to the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for enforcement.

Filming at Changi Airport

One local private-hire driver, Wen, 54, told Shin Min Daily News that around 11pm on Aug. 16, he noticed a Malaysia-registered multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) parked near the arrival hall at Changi Airport Terminal 3.

“It was first parked at Door 1. I was waiting for customers, so I kept watching it. About 10 minutes later, it moved to Door 5, where a man got out and approached a couple who looked like tourists,” he said.

Wen filmed the exchange and saw the driver helping the pair with their luggage. He later filed a report on LTA’s website.

“We are mainly monitoring Malaysian drivers offering point-to-point services in Singapore. Their prices are relatively cheaper, and since many tourists are unaware of the regulations, they often choose these rides to visit attractions,” he added.

Reports in Driver Facebook Groups

Another private-hire driver, Lin, 50, runs a Facebook group with around 200 members. He said that every day, drivers share photos of suspected pirate taxis, especially at tourist hotspots.

“I always advise members to file reports through the official site. Although stricter enforcement since Aug. 5 has reduced cases, recently I noticed illegal rides picking up again,” Lin said.

Common hotspots of illegal ride-hailing drivers

According to Lin, these vehicles are often spotted at places like the zoo, ferry terminals, Changi Airport, and Sentosa.

How to identify illegal drivers

He explained that besides the obvious Malaysian licence plates, interactions between drivers and passengers often appear formal and transactional.

“Sometimes it’s clear they’re not family. For example, the driver is Malaysian while the passenger is clearly a foreign tourist,” he said.

Penalties of almost RM9,000 and confiscation of vehicle

Since 2022, at least 136 drivers have been investigated for using foreign-registered vehicles to run illegal private-hire services in Singapore.

Those convicted face fines of approximately RM9,000 (S$2,600), and their vehicles are confiscated.

Follow Wah Piang for more updates.

Source: Shin Min Daily News