Malaysian Driver Arrested with Singapore Car for Illegal Services

 

Malaysian authorities have conducted a special operation targeting illegal cross-border transport services, resulting in the seizure of a Singapore-registered vehicle at the Sultan Iskandar Building immigration complex in Johor Bahru. The incident occurred on October 16th, 2025, when enforcement officers from the Malaysian Road Transport Department intercepted the vehicle within the car lanes of the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine complex.

During the operation, officers detained the Singapore-plated car on suspicion of operating as an unlicensed "kereta sapu" or illegal taxi service. Upon conducting a thorough inspection of the vehicle and its documentation, authorities discovered multiple regulatory violations. The vehicle was found to be operating without the necessary operator's license required for commercial transport services and was not registered as a public service vehicle under Malaysian law.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle also lacked valid Malaysian road tax, compounding the legal violations. The car was being driven by a Malaysian male national who was transporting two foreign passengers, identified as citizens of India and the Philippines. The presence of paying passengers in a Singapore-registered vehicle without proper commercial licensing formed the basis for the enforcement action.

Malaysian Road Transport Department officials issued formal notices under multiple sections of the Land Public Transport Act 2010, specifically citing violations under Sections 80(1), 222, and 224 of the legislation. The vehicle was subsequently impounded under Section 16(1) of the same act to facilitate further investigation into the illegal transport operation.

Authorities emphasized their zero-tolerance approach toward unlicensed transportation activities operating within the country. The department released a statement clarifying that they will not compromise on any illegal transport services operating without valid licenses within Malaysian territory. The enforcement action serves as a reminder to all motorists, particularly foreign vehicle owners, to comply with all traffic regulations and laws currently in effect in Malaysia.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about unauthorized cross-border transport services operating between Singapore and Malaysia. Officials have reiterated the importance of adhering to transportation regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users and passengers. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to crack down on illegal transport operations in the border region.