KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to introduce cross-border e-hailing services requires further talks with Singapore, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said he had raised the matter with former Singaporean counterpart Chee Hong Tat previously.
“But Singapore was not ready to discuss it at that time,” he said.
“In principle, we are ready to discuss increasing cross-border connectivity, but this cannot be implemented unilaterally. Both parties must agree before it can proceed,” added Loke during his 13th Malaysia Plan winding up on Monday (Aug 18).
Loke said he hopes to revive discussions with Singapore on the proposal.
“We hope to resume discussions and that Singapore will welcome the idea,” he said.
Loke said a Road Transport Department operation on Aug 13 targeted foreign e-hailing vehicles.
JPJ arrested four Singaporeans and seized four vehicles, he said.
Loke added that another JPJ operation targeting public transport arrested five Singaporeans and seized five buses.
“This matter is still on trial. All the vehicles had no valid operator’s licence and were not registered as public service vehicles,” he said
Prior to this, a JPJ operation found that Singapore-registered drivers are openly offering e-hailing rides in Malaysia.
They charge up to S$180 (RM591) per person for trips to Johor Baru.
JPJ said illegal operators promote services on social media and messaging apps and offer rides to various destinations.
A one-way trip to Johor Baru Sentral can cost up to S$180 per person while a ride to Legoland Malaysia can go up to S$200 (RM657).
