When Singapore residents use the phrase “Let’s Grab there”, more often than not, it usually means they are planning to book a car ride through the Grab app.
In Singapore, GrabCar is the sole mode of transportation the app offers, which differs from its Southeast Asian neighbours like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, where GrabBike is also available.
GrabBike is a transportation service that primarily uses motorcycles for rides.
However, a Singaporean man may have provided transportation services using his motorbike within Singapore, similar to the services offered by GrabBike in other countries.
In this case, he had been charged by authorities.
A Man Is Charged for Using His Motorbike Like It’s a Private-Hire Vehicle
According to a Facebook post from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Friday (5 January 2024), a Singaporean man became the first to be convicted for using his motorcycle as a private hire vehicle.
In case you didn’t know, it’s forbidden to use motorcycles as private-hire vehicles in Singapore.
This conviction resulted from an enforcement operation conducted by the LTA in May 2023, aimed at cracking down on illegal car and motorcycle pooling services.
Two drivers and a motorcyclist’s vehicles were impounded by the LTA during this operation.
The motorcyclist, identified as 33-year-old Muhammad Hasbullah Rosly, faced charges and was subsequently convicted for using a prohibited vehicle as a public service vehicle and for operating the vehicle without the necessary insurance coverage.
This is the first time a motorcyclist has been charged and convicted for conveying passengers for hire and reward.
According to Channel NewsAsia, court documents showed that an LTA enforcement officer inspected Hasbullah Rosly in the vicinity of Block 505D Yishun Street 51 on 3 May 2023 at approximately 8.45am.
Investigations revealed that despite not personally knowing the passenger, Hasbullah had been hired to give a ride from Yishun Street 51 to ITE College West in Choa Chu Kang for a fare of $18.
This act was done despite Hasbullah’s knowing that it was illegal to carry passengers on a motorcycle in exchange for payment. He also admitted to doing so to “earn additional income”.
Motorcyclist Admitted to Ferrying Another Passenger for a Fare
Furthermore, Hasbullah admitted to giving a ride to another passenger for a fare on the same day.
He transported a passenger from Tampines to ITE College West for a fare of $18. His motorcycle was not registered as a public service vehicle, which is prohibited for motorcycles in Singapore.
Additionally, Hasbullah did not possess a valid insurance policy covering his motorbike when used for hire and reward services.
Etiqa, the insurance company, confirmed that their policy did not extend coverage to the motorbike when it was used for such purposes, as reported by CNA.
For using a prohibited vehicle as a public service vehicle and operating without insurance coverage, Hasbullah faced a fine of $1,800 and received a 12-month driving ban.
Another Driver Charged for Not Having a Valid Vocational Licence
In another case, one driver was charged and convicted for not possessing a valid vocational licence, operating his vehicle without a valid Public Service Vehicle licence, and lacking the requisite insurance coverage.
According to CNA, the driver in question has been identified as Muhammad Nasrulhaq Shamsulnizam, 21.
The incident occurred when he was transporting a passenger from Block 194 Rivervale Drive to Thomson Plaza for a fare of $24.
An LTA enforcement officer stopped him on 3 May 2023 at around 11.55 am.
Investigations revealed that Nasrulhaq needed a vocational licence to drive a taxi, private hire car, or bus.
The LTA stated that his vehicle was registered as a passenger motor car and lacked a valid public service vehicle licence.
Moreover, Nasrulhaq did not hold a valid insurance policy, and NTUC Income, the insurance company, confirmed that their policy did not cover the car when used for hire and reward services.
As a result, Nasrulhaq was fined $1,800 and received a 12-month driving ban.
The case of the other driver, booked during the May 2023 operation, is still pending in the courts.
The LTA reiterated its commitment to taking strict enforcement actions against individuals providing illegal car and motorcycle pooling services.
They strongly encourage commuters to book point-to-point transport services, including commercial car-pooling services, through licensed business platforms to ensure their safety.
These incidents are a clear reminder that breaking Singapore’s laws for your benefit can result in significant fines and penalties.
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