Enforcement officers reportedly seized MPVs suspected of ferrying passengers to Singapore.

A weekend operation outside Legoland Malaysia ended with Johor authorities detaining two Singapore-registered vehicles suspected of offering illegal ride-hailing services to passengers bound for Singapore.

Operation Outside Legoland

At around noon on August 9, 2025, Johor’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) officers intercepted two black multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) with Singapore licence plates outside the Legoland Malaysia theme park in Iskandar Puteri. Sources told China Press the vehicles were preparing to transport passengers to Singapore when they were stopped and seized.

Public Complaints Trigger Crackdown

JPJ’s operation reportedly followed public complaints about illegal ride-hailing activity in the area. The issue has been a growing concern for both Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, as such services compete with licensed operators and raise safety concerns for passengers.

Viral Social Media Post

Images of the enforcement, later deleted from a Facebook border-crossers group, showed the MPVs surrounded by JPJ vehicles and officers. The post carried a tongue-in-cheek Mandarin caption: “You catch me, I catch you, let’s hurt each other and see who is hurt more, Singapore dollar vs ringgit car price.”

Reduced Illegal Activity Amid Increased Enforcement

The incident comes after reports that about 70% of illegal ride-hailing drivers halted operations ahead of Singapore’s National Day weekend. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore has intensified its enforcement, targeting illegal cross-border rides from Malaysia. Recent operations have led to vehicle seizures at popular pickup points such as Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown.

Penalties for Offenders

Under Singapore law, those convicted of providing illegal ride-hailing services face fines of up to S$3,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Their vehicles may also be forfeited. LTA has cautioned passengers against using such services due to potential risks and the possibility of disrupted journeys if drivers are caught.

Silent from JPJ So Far

As of publication, JPJ has not issued an official statement on the Legoland operation. A follow-up visit by China Press the next day found fewer Singapore-registered vehicles waiting for passengers outside the park, though some still bore Singapore’s LTA-issued private-hire stickers.

The Legoland incident underscores heightened enforcement on both sides of the Causeway against illegal ride-hailing. For travelers between Singapore and Malaysia, it serves as a reminder to opt for licensed services to avoid disruptions, financial penalties, and legal consequences.

Sources: Must Share News (2025) , Mothership (2025)

Keywords: Legoland Malaysia, Illegal Ride-Hailing, Johor Authorities, Singapore Vehicles, Cross-Border Transport, JPJ Enforcement