Risky Rides and Heavy Penalties: Man Fined, Banned, and Loses Car for Illegal Cross-Border Ferrying

In a stark reminder of the serious consequences awaiting those who flout transport regulations, a 46-year-old man has been dealt a significant penalty for operating an illegal cross-border private hire service between Singapore and Malaysia. Tan Boon Hui was fined S$8,700 and handed a 15-month driving ban after pleading guilty to three charges under the Road Traffic Act.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) unveiled details of the case, which saw Tan caught in the act on January 29, 2023.

He was intercepted at Woodlands Checkpoint while driving a Singapore-registered Honda Civic, ferrying four passengers en route to Johor Bahru. Each passenger had paid S$35 for the illicit journey, a common lure for those seeking cheaper or more direct travel options.

Further investigations by the LTA painted a clearer picture of Tan's extensive operation.

It was revealed that between January 2 and January 29, 2023, he had made at least 13 such illegal trips. He utilized not only his own Honda Civic but also a rented Mercedes-Benz to carry out these unlicensed services, accumulating an estimated S$1,000 in earnings from his illicit activities.

This case serves as a crucial warning from the LTA regarding the dangers and illegality of engaging in or patronizing unregulated cross-border public transport services.

Such services operate outside the ambit of the law, meaning they are not only uninsured but also pose significant safety risks to unsuspecting passengers. Without proper regulatory oversight, there are no guarantees for vehicle maintenance, driver screening, or passenger protection in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances.

The penalties for such offences are severe and designed to deter future infringements.

First-time offenders face a hefty fine of up to S$5,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both. For repeat offenders, the consequences escalate, with fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. In addition to these penalties, the vehicles used in these illegal operations are also liable for forfeiture – a fate that befell Tan Boon Hui's car, which was impounded by the authorities.

The LTA continues to urge the public to only use licensed and regulated public transport services, emphasizing that safety and legal compliance are paramount.

This recent conviction underscores Singapore's firm stance against illegal transport operators, ensuring the integrity of its transport network and the safety of its commuters.