A Singapore-registered car was impounded at Johor’s CIQ Complex for allegedly offering unauthorised ride-hailing services amid renewed calls to ban such vehicles.
A Singapore-registered car was seized by Malaysian authorities on Oct 7 at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex in Johor after it was allegedly found providing illegal cross-border private-hire transport services, according to the Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Singapore Car Impounded at Johor Checkpoint
In a video posted on TikTok by the Johor Road Transport Department (JPJ) on Tuesday, enforcement officers were seen stopping the Singapore-registered vehicle at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex. The department said the car was impounded after the driver was suspected of operating as a private-hire vehicle (PHV) and transporting passengers in Malaysia without the required operator’s licence.
Violation of Malaysian Transport Laws
JPJ said initial investigations confirmed that the driver had violated Malaysia’s road transport regulations by accepting paid passengers across the border. The department reiterated that all vehicles operating in Malaysia must hold valid documents and insurance coverage, emphasising its zero-tolerance stance on illegal ride-hailing services.
Heightened Enforcement Amid Driver Discontent
The incident comes amid growing frustration among Malaysian cross-border drivers. Many have accused Singapore-registered PHVs of undercutting local fares and bypassing domestic licensing rules. JPJ’s latest enforcement is part of a broader effort to tighten control over unlicensed operations and ensure road safety at entry checkpoints.
Malaysian Drivers’ Association Calls for Action
On Oct 6, the Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association, a Malaysian drivers’ group, publicly urged the government to ban Singapore-registered PHVs from operating in Malaysia. In a Facebook post, the association called on the Malaysian Transport Ministry to “take concrete action without delay,” warning that continued inaction could heighten tensions within the industry.
Cross-Border Ride-Hailing Still in Legal Limbo
Currently, no bilateral framework exists allowing Singapore PHVs to legally operate in Malaysia. While cross-border taxis and licensed tour vehicles are permitted, private-hire services remain unregulated. The issue has reignited debate over the need for clear policies governing ride-hailing services between both countries.
Regional Impact and Future Cooperation
This latest case underscores ongoing regulatory gaps affecting cross-border mobility between Singapore and Johor, one of the world’s busiest land borders. As ride-hailing demand continues to grow, authorities in both countries may need to collaborate on a shared legal framework that balances convenience, safety, and fair competition.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Car, Johor Checkpoint, Illegal Transport, Private Hire, Cross Border
