Data from satellite-based on-board units in Singapore detected 60 instances of suspicious activity involving 31 Malaysian cross-border taxis between May and July, according to recent government announcements. The Land Transport Authority will begin formal enforcement action against the flagged drivers starting in September ahead of the broader system launch.
Satellite-Based Tracking Catches Suspicious Activity
Information transmitted by vehicle on-board units detected 60 instances of suspicious activity involving 31 Malaysian cross-border taxis over a three-month span between May and July. The tracking hardware operates as part of the islandwide Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) 2 system, which relies on satellite technology rather than physical overhead gantries to determine a vehicle’s location across the country.
Senior Minister of State for Transport Ms Sun Xueling disclosed the figures in a Facebook post on Monday (Sep 28), noting that the drivers involved have been notified of their offences and reminded of the relevant penalties. While the infrastructure’s core purpose centers on charges and payments, authorities assert that it will simultaneously strengthen the Land Transport Authority’s oversight of traffic islandwide and supply better instruments for identifying and penalizing traffic-related violations, such as unauthorized cross-border taxi operations.
Formal Enforcement Actions and Cross-Border Rules
The Land Transport Authority is moving from initial detection to formal penalties. Ms Sun added that LTA will begin formal enforcement action against offenders from September. This crackdown follows enhancements to the Singapore-Malaysia Cross-Border Taxi Scheme that took effect on May 4, which mandate that taxis must install a device required by the other country to enable enforcement when entering that country, meaning Malaysian taxis must have Singapore’s ERP 2 OBU to enter Singapore.
Back in February, then-Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow specified that the Land Transport Authority would restrict its use of vehicle-specific ERP 2 information strictly to billing, fees, and regulatory compliance, encompassing cross-border taxi policing and unpaid ERP fees. Mr Siow stated during that period that Malaysian cabs had to be fitted with OBUs so officials could monitor the cars and intervene if necessary while operating within Singapore, to authorities to track the vehicles and take action.
System Rollout, Road Signage, and Data Safeguards
As authorities expand digital oversight, physical infrastructure is also shifting. Beginning in October, the authority will introduce fresh ERP 2 signage and road markings in anticipation of the official Jan 1, 2027 rollout, as announced earlier on Monday.
As tracking data is used for enforcement, government officials have moved to address privacy concerns. The agency stressed that handling and retrieval of any ERP 2 information will remain restricted to permitted activities, backed by strict protections surrounding its security, collection, and application.
Future Transport Policy and Industry Protection
Beyond catching unauthorized cross-border cabs, the underlying satellite network holds potential for broader traffic policing. ERP 2 could potentially also be used to enforce against other traffic offences. Responding in parliament about applying ERP 2 to track and penalize speed violations inside School Zones and Silver Zones, Mr Siow noted in May that while additional upgrades would be necessary, both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Transport were actively reviewing how to execute the plans.
Government leaders frame these digital tracking measures as a dual protection mechanism for both international transit and local operators, with Ms Sun stating: We will continue working with the relevant authorities to safeguard the livelihoods of our local taxi and private-hire drivers, and ensure safe cross-border journeys for our commuters.