KUALA LUMPUR: Cross-border taxi services between Malaysia and Singapore will be enhanced from May 4, 2026, to improve travel convenience while ensuring fair operating conditions for transport providers and drivers in both countries.
The enhancements cover key areas, including drop-off and pick-up locations, fare categories, taxi supply, vehicle age limits and exemption periods for empty cross-border entry.
In a joint statement today, the Transport Ministry and the Singapore Ministry of Transport said the enhancements follow discussions at the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders' Retreat held in December 2025.
Officials from both ministries, together with the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) and Land Transport Authority (LTA), have worked closely towards implementing the improvements to the cross-border taxi scheme.
It reflects both countries' commitment to provide safe and reliable cross-border transport options while protecting the livelihoods of local drivers against illegal services, as well as strengthening business linkages and people-to-people ties.
According to the statement, licensed taxis will be allowed to drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore and within designated areas in Malaysia, namely Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai and Senai.
"Taxis will continue to pick up passengers in their home country without restrictions. However, in the foreign country, pick-ups will only be allowed at three designated points via ride-hailing bookings," the statement said.
Street-hail and ride-hail services will continue to operate at Ban San Street Terminal and Larkin Sentral.
It added that fare caps for street-hail pick-ups are set at up to S$80 for standard four-seater taxis, S$120 for standard six-seaters and S$180 for premium six-seaters from Ban San Street Terminal to Larkin or up to 35km, while fares from Larkin Sentral are capped at RM240, RM360 and RM540 respectively.
Both countries will also increase the supply of cross-border taxis by an additional 100 vehicles each, bringing the total to 300 per country initially, with plans to gradually expand to 500.
The additional quota will include larger and premium vehicles to cater to families, groups and business travellers.
"To strengthen enforcement against illegal domestic point-to-point trips, licensed taxis must be clearly identifiable by their livery, vehicle plate prefix and taxi topper signage when operating in the foreign country. They will also be required to install a tracking device specified by the foreign country," the statement said.
The statement added that vehicles used under the scheme must not be more than 10 years old, although taxis licensed before April 1, 2026, will be allowed to operate until they reach 15 years old.
It also noted that taxis must carry at least one passenger when entering the foreign country, except during specified exemption periods.
"Malaysia-registered taxis may enter Singapore without passengers on Fridays from noon to midnight, while Singapore-registered taxis may enter Malaysia without passengers on Sundays during the same hours," it said.
Meanwhile, in the same statement, LTA chief executive Ng Lang said the improvements will provide greater convenience and better connectivity for travellers between the two countries.
Apad director-general Ahmad Radhi Maarof said the enhancements mark a significant step in strengthening transport connectivity and facilitating smoother cross-border movement. – Bernama
