Last week, LTA caught 22 foreign-registered drivers, mostly Malaysians, offering illegal ride-hailing services within Singapore.
If this feels like déjà vu — you’re not wrong. This isn’t the first time, and it probably won’t be the last. Over the years, LTA has repeatedly caught Malaysian drivers operating illegally in Singapore, usually using personal vehicles with no proper licenses or insurance.
So what can we do as Singapore-based Grab and Gojek drivers? Simple — stay aware, stay sharp, and know how to report it.
Why This Matters to Singapore Drivers
- They take jobs away from licensed PHV drivers
- They don’t pay local rental, fuel, ERP, or insurance costs
- They create unfair competition, especially during peak hours or events
- LTA enforcement increases for everyone when this happens
How to Spot Illegal Foreign Ride-Hailing Vehicles
Most of these illegal drivers aren’t operating on Grab or Gojek — they take bookings through WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok.
Common Car Types:
- Toyota Alphard / Vellfire
- Hyundai Starex
- Toyota Innova
- Perodua Alza / Axia
- All with Malaysian number plates (JXX 1234, WXX 5678)
Common Pickup Hotspots:
- Woodlands MRT / Checkpoint
- Kranji MRT
- Jurong East MRT
- Queen Street Terminal
- Bugis and Rochor area
- Marina Bay
⚡ Red Flags:
- Passenger gives cash upfront
- No app used or shown
- Same car spotted frequently at same time/place
Why Do Malaysian Drivers Still Dare to Risk It?
From their side, it makes (sadly) a lot of sense:
1. Strong Exchange Rate
- One $90 trip = ~RM315
- That’s 1 to 2 days’ income back in Malaysia
2. Demand from Tourists & Singaporeans
- Many tourists and shoppers are willing to pay cash for faster rides
- Arranged via TikTok, Telegram or word of mouth
How to Report Illegal Ride-Hailing Cars in Singapore
If you see Malaysian-registered cars picking up passengers within Singapore (especially without using any app), you can and should report it.
️ What to Report:
- Vehicle number plate
- Location
- Date and time
- Description of what you saw (e.g. “cash pickup at Kranji MRT, no app”)
✅ Report Anonymously:
Online Form
- Visit: www.lta.gov.sg > “Feedback” > “Illegal Hire of Vehicle”
LTA Hotline
- 1800-2255-582 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5.30pm)
Tip: If safe, snap a photo of the vehicle plate and location.
Don’t confront the driver — just report it.
Final Word
This isn’t just about 22 drivers getting caught. It’s part of a recurring problem that affects your bookings and earnings.
Stay alert, stay legal, and help keep the playing field fair. When one driver breaks the rules, we all feel the impact.
