Man caught at Woodlands Checkpoint with contraband and unlicensed passengers sentenced to jail
A Malaysian man attempting to earn just S$30 by illegally ferrying passengers into Singapore was caught smuggling over S$42,000 worth of contraband cigarettes. He is now serving nine months in jail.
Nine Months in Jail for Smuggling
On September 1, 2025, 42-year-old Ng Choh Kit was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for smuggling contraband cigarettes into Singapore. He was also fined S$1,800 for illegally operating a public service vehicle without the required licence and insurance. Unable to pay, Ng received an additional six days in jail.
The Arrest at Woodlands
Ng was stopped at Woodlands Checkpoint on May 18, 2025. His Malaysian-registered car carried five passengers he had picked up earlier at Mersing Pier, each paying RM100 (S$30). During the inspection, Singapore Customs officers discovered duty-unpaid cigarettes worth more than S$42,000 hidden in the vehicle.
Plea for Leniency
Representing himself in court, Ng explained that his wife is battling womb cancer and that he needed money to care for her and other elderly family members. Despite his plea, the court maintained the penalties, citing the seriousness of both offences—smuggling and unlicensed passenger transport.
Risks of Illegal Ride-Hailing
Authorities stressed that illegal cross-border ride-hailing poses significant risks. Such services lack proper insurance coverage, endangering passengers, and undermine licensed drivers’ livelihoods. Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling previously warned that enforcement would intensify against unlicensed operators.
Cross-Border Taxi Scheme Under Review
Currently, only licensed cross-border taxis can operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru under the Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS). Singapore taxis can pick up at Larkin Sentral, while Malaysian taxis are limited to Ban San Street Terminal, with each country capped at 200 taxis.
On September 2, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow met taxi associations to discuss expanding the scheme. Talks included increasing quotas and adding more designated pick-up points, amid growing demand for legal cross-border travel options.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the risks individuals face when resorting to illegal cross-border services, especially when combined with smuggling. For Singaporeans, it underscores the government’s strict stance on border security and passenger safety. For Malaysians, it reflects the economic struggles pushing individuals into high-risk decisions with severe legal consequences.
Ng Choh Kit’s arrest at Woodlands Checkpoint underscores both the dangers of contraband smuggling and the pitfalls of unlicensed cross-border transport. His case has reignited discussions on improving legal travel options between Singapore and Malaysia, balancing enforcement with the urgent need for safer, regulated alternatives.
Sources: Must Share News (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Malaysian Driver, Contraband Cigarettes, Illegal Ferrying, Woodlands Checkpoint, Cross-Border Scheme, Singapore Customs
