KUALA LUMPUR: A memorandum has been submitted to the Transport Ministry by a cross-border e-hailing rental association operating between Johor and Singapore.
The memorandum highlights the risks of arrest and vehicle seizure faced by drivers due to enforcement actions by Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Jimmy Puah (PH–Tebrau) said the Southern Private Hire Vehicle Association, raised the challenges faced by transport service operators who have facilitated daily travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore for decades.
He added that the Association represents nearly 300 members, mostly micro-entrepreneurs, and said that the issue is still unresolved even though it is simple.
"The service has been ongoing for years, but recently, the Singapore authorities have tightened their rules, causing many operators to face difficulties entering Singapore," he told a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday (Aug 27).
According to Puah, the industry involves around 200,000 vehicles and 5,000 drivers, easing connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore.
"I think the issue should be urgently addressed to realise the aspirations of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). If our government wishes to set up a special economic zone, connectivity will be important," said Puah.
"I have received many complaints not just from transport operators but also investors facing connectivity issues from Singapore to Johor," he added.
Puah proposed that vehicles providing such services should be given permits, with discussions held between Malaysia's Road Transport Department and Singapore's LTA to allow smoother operations.
He said vehicles providing cross-border services should also be allowed to purchase commercial insurance valid in both countries.
"There is potential for a win-win solution that benefits both the social and economic aspects of the two countries," he said.
