Many of us would be guilty of resorting to ride-hailing services like Grab, especially when we are running late for our appointments.
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Unfortunately, a young female passenger had a shady encounter during her Grab ride on Monday (3 Feb).
She was allegedly taken to a “dead end” instead of her destination and was harassed by her driver.
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The driver eventually fetched the young passenger to her destination, after she made the request firmly.
In a Facebook post dated 3 Feb, the passenger’s mother shares her daughter’s story and urges everyone to be extra vigilant.
According to the police report attached to the post, the female passenger boarded the Grab ride bounded for Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex at around 10.19am.
She, however, found herself at a dead-end along Ang Mo Kio Street 64.
The driver then reportedly asked the female passenger if she was “free” and “had extra time”.
This apparently happened multiple times throughout the journey.
She repeatedly asserted that she was late and had to be at the swimming complex by 11am.
The driver then allegedly insisted that she sit in the front passenger seat and that he would not continue the journey if she does not comply. He also wanted to drive her home.
Sensing something amiss, the passenger scolded the driver and insisted that he continue the journey.
Luckily, the driver thought twice and yielded. He eventually took her to Yio Chu Kang Swimming Complex.
To minimise interaction with the suspicious driver, the passenger allegedly left her fare on the back seat and got out of the car ASAP.
The female passenger proceeded to lodge a police report, but the cops reportedly did little to help her situation.
In response to MS News queries, a Grab spokesperson said that the company is aware of the incident and have suspended the said driver as investigation commence.
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Grab also took the chance to reassure users that they take a zero-tolerance approach towards indecent behaviour and that their safety is of the utmost importance.
They urge both passengers and driver-partners to treat each other with respect.
While the female passenger got out of the situation unscathed, she bravely shares her story in hopes that young girls like her would be more vigilant when alone.
Her account is a firm reminder to not take safety for granted, especially when riding a stranger’s car.
When met with a similar situation, passengers should not be afraid to call or approach the police.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
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