S'pore, Malaysia operators still offering cross-border rides for firms despite risks

While some halt their services amid stepped-up enforcement, others operate under the radar

- Lee Nian Tjoe Senior Transport Correspondent and Harith Mustaffa

On Sept 12, a Singapore-registered Toyota Noah belonging to a limousine service operator was impounded by the Malaysian authorities after it crossed the border at Tuas Checkpoint.

For the past year, the limousine service operator has been contracted to drive staff from an American company with operations in Singapore to its factory in Johor Bahru for meetings.

Speaking to The Straits Times on Sept 18, the spokesman for the Singapore limousine service company said it hopes to get its seven-seater car back after a court hearing in Malaysia.

Even though chartered car rides across the Singapore-Malaysia border are not allowed, individuals and companies have been able to book chauffeured rides to shuttle between the countries with ease until enforcement was stepped up in recent months.

The Singapore-registered limousine company, which had its car impounded, declined to be named because it wants to avoid losing even more business. Some of its Singapore-based multinational clients have suspended their contracts to drive staff across the border until they are assured that the arrangement is legal.

This follows media reports of drivers of foreign-registered vehicles being caught taking paying passengers across the border.

However, some companies and individuals continue to book such rides, which are more convenient than taking a cross-border taxi before transferring to a local taxi or private-hire car after crossing the border for the rest of the journey.

When asked why the Singapore-based company continues to provide the service even after having a car impounded, the spokesman said cross-border transport is a key part of the company’s business, adding that there is still substantial demand for it.

At least one Singapore government agency engages limousine services for cross-border transport. The HDB called for a tender in May for chauffeur-driven transport between Singapore and Malaysia.