Singapore raises Malaysia taxi entry fee to S$15 a trip from 2027
Why it matters: The change follows a May overhaul of cross-border taxi rules and is meant to narrow cost gaps with Singapore cabs.
Singapore will charge Malaysia-registered taxis S$15 for each trip into the city-state starting Jan. 1, 2027, replacing the current S$2 monthly permit fee. The Land Transport Authority said the higher ASEAN Public Service Vehicle Permit charge is meant to reduce the operating-cost advantage Malaysian taxis have over Singapore-registered cabs on the same cross-border routes. The move comes weeks after Singapore and Malaysia loosened cross-border taxi rules on May 4, allowing drop-offs across Singapore and Johor and adding more designated pick-up points. LTA also urged riders to use licensed taxis only, warning that illegal operators may lack valid insurance. In May, 14 people were caught in enforcement operations against illegal cross-border transport services.