Singapore, Malaysia To Expand Cross-Border Taxi Services From May 4

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, April 30 (Bernama) -- Cross-border licensed taxi services between Singapore and Malaysia will be expanded from May 4, 2026 and be allowed to operate more flexibly across both countries, in a move aimed at easing travel while ensuring fair competition and effective enforcement.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the transport ministries of Singapore and Malaysia said the move underscores a shared commitment to safe and reliable cross-border travel, while protecting local drivers from illegal services.

Following the outcomes of the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in December last year, the ministries of both countries, together with Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), have formulated measures under the Cross-Border Taxi Scheme.

Under the measures, from May 4, licensed taxis will be allowed to drop off passengers anywhere in Singapore and in designated areas in Malaysia, namely Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri, Forest City, Kulai, and Senai.

Each country will provide an additional quota of 100 taxis to the existing 200.

Licensed taxis must also be clearly identifiable by livery, a predefined prefix for the vehicle plate, and taxi topper signage when operating in the foreign country.

Additionally, taxis must install a device, as required by the foreign country, to enable enforcement when entering that country.

"The improvements will benefit the strong business linkages and people-to-people ties between Singapore and Malaysia," said the joint statement by the ministries.

LTA chief executive Ng Lang said the enhancement will provide greater convenience and better connectivity for travellers between Singapore and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, APAD director-general Ahmad Radhi Maarof said the enhancement marks a significant step forward in strengthening transport connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore.

"The movement of people across the causeway is a vital thread in the fabric of our bilateral relationship, and we are determined to make that experience as smooth and convenient as possible.

"We hope to deepening this collaboration further, by looking into more ways to ease the flow of travellers moving forward," he added.

-- BERNAMA