Soliciting of Passengers by Drivers of Private Vehicles along Rochor Area

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether there are cases of soliciting of passengers by drivers of private vehicles, including some Malaysian-registered vehicles along Rochor area; and (b) if so, whether there are plans to regulate such illegal practices or educate passengers on the risks of taking such vehicles.

Under the Road Traffic Act, private vehicles are meant for private use and are not allowed to be used for hire and reward. LTA takes a serious view of this and will deploy enforcement officers on the ground when such information is received. Convicted offenders may face a fine and jail term, and have their vehicle forfeited. In 2013, LTA issued warnings to three Malaysian vehicle owners who were suspected to have used their vehicles for private hire in the Rochor area. Passengers who take such vehicles should note that motor insurance policies do not cover such uses and victims will have no

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recourse to compensation in the event of an accident.