M’sian drivers’ association urges the authorities to ban Singapore PHVs ‘without delay’
A Malaysian association for cross-border private-hire vehicles (PHVs) has called for a ban on Singapore PHVs entering Malaysia, warning of “growing discontent” among local drivers.
In a Facebook post on Monday (6 Oct), the Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association urged Malaysia’s Transport Ministry to take “concrete action without delay”.
Source: Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association on Facebook
Association demands immediate ban on Singapore PHVs after ‘discussions’
The association produced a list of “Eight Key Demands”, claiming to be doing so on behalf of the industry.
These demands came after days of “intense discussions” involving industry stakeholders and association members, it said.
At the top of the list was the immediate prohibition on Singapore-registered PHVs entering Malaysia.
Another demand was for the authorities to “strengthen enforcement and impose strict penalties on Singapore PHVs operating illegally within Malaysia”.
Source: 柔新关卡Both Checkpoint 分享站 on Facebook via China Press
Association also calls for legalisation of local cross-border charter services
The other demands focused on policy issues, chief among them being a call to legalise local cross-border charter services.
The association also wanted “reciprocity” in law enforcement and policy implementation.
The group wants the ministry to establish a “bilateral consultation mechanism” for cross-border transport issues.
It also urged the ministry to “clearly define” its policy direction and timeline.
The association described the “let’s not harm each other” stance as “vague”, favouring “concrete action” instead.
Finally, it demanded that authorities safeguard local drivers’ legal rights and survival space.
‘The consequences will be unpredictable’
The association emphasised that it was not asking for special privileges, but a “fair and level playing field”.
The group warned that progress requires banning Singapore-registered PHVs and legalising local cross-border charter services.
It feels that without this, local drivers “will be pushed to the brink of survival.”
This will “inevitably” lead to the escalation of “frustration and discontent”, with”unpredictable” consequences, it said, adding:
Failure to [take action] will make it difficult to contain growing discontent within the industry and could potentially trigger even more serious chain reactions.
Poster calling for ban on Singapore PHVs purportedly seen in M’sia
The statement came as a photo circulated across social media of posters put up in Malaysia that called for the banning of Singapore PHVs from entry.
Source: Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers(MSBC) 马新过境者 on Facebook
In a previous statement on 1 Oct, the association claimed that “a significant number” of Singapore-registered PHVs are operating “openly” at major tourist destinations in Johor Bahru.
It charged that the Malaysian authorities had turned “a blind eye” to them.
The association called it a “double standard in enforcement” that “undermines the credibility of Singapore’s stated objective to ‘combat illegal passenger transport’.”
Authorities reportedly caught two Singapore-registered vehicles offering illegal ride-hailing services at Legoland in JB on 9 Aug.
LTA continues to nab illegal ride-hailing drivers in S’pore
Meanwhile, the Singapore authorities have continued to nab drivers offering illegal ride-hailing services within Singapore, as well as to and from Malaysia.
On Monday (6 Oct), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it caught 15 drivers over the past week and impounded all their vehicles.
Source: Land Transport Authority – We Keep Your World Moving on Facebook
LTA has maintained that enforcement operations are aimed at protecting passenger safety and the interests of licensed drivers.
This is because illegal drivers do not possess the requisite licenses and do not have insurance coverage for their passengers.
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Featured image adapted from Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossers(MSBC) 马新过境者 on Facebook and Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association on Facebook.
