Latest news with #CrossBorderTaxiScheme
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LTA rules out cross-border ride-hailing to Johor; Billionaire Ong Beng Seng admits guilt in Iswaran corruption scandal: Singapore live news
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it will not fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services, despite recent media reports and discussions with Malaysian officials. Instead, LTA is exploring ways to improve the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. These improvements may include app-based bookings and more pickup and drop-off points. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains a priority, with safety and driver welfare at the forefront. Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules. The goal is to enhance commuter convenience without compromising regulatory safeguards. Singapore Formula One tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a luxury trip to Doha in 2022, which Ong paid for, including a private jet ride, hotel stay, and return flight. When the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest in 2023, Ong helped Iswaran retroactively pay for the flight to avoid scrutiny. Prosecutors say this act had a tendency to obstruct justice. A second charge, involving Ong gifting the entire trip, was taken into consideration for sentencing. Ong, 79, is undergoing treatment for bone marrow cancer and stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited earlier this year. His sentencing is pending and could include jail time and fines. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence. Read on Ong's guilty plea here. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's F1 mogul Ong Beng Seng pleads guilty in Iswaran gift scandal UPDATE: Singapore F1 tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a lavish 2022 trip to Doha, where Ong hosted Iswaran on his private jet and paid for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel. The return flight, also paid for by Ong's company, Singapore GP, was only reimbursed months later, after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest. Ong then instructed Singapore GP to bill Iswaran and keep records, a move prosecutors say was intended to obstruct justice. Ong also consented to a second charge, taken into consideration, for gifting Iswaran the entire trip worth $20,850. Iswaran, who chaired the F1 Steering Committee, was sentenced to 12 months' jail last year for accepting gifts and obstructing justice. Ong's sentencing is pending. He faces up to seven years in jail and a fine. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence. The tycoon, who brought Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited in April to manage his bone marrow cancer. Read on Ong's case here. Singapore says no plans to liberalise ride-hailing to Johor The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it has no intention to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru. The announcement follows recent media reports and an 1 Aug meeting between officials from both countries. While the idea of on-demand cross-border rides was raised, no decision was made. Instead, LTA is exploring enhancements to the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. These taxis currently pick up and drop off passengers only at designated terminals – Larkin Sentral and Ban San Street. To improve convenience, LTA is considering increasing the number of pickup and drop-off points and enabling app-based bookings for licensed taxis. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains active, with safety and driver welfare as key priorities. Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules. Singapore job market shows signs of life Singapore's job market is bouncing back, with a 2.1 per cent rise in postings in June 2025, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. AI-related roles are booming, appearing in one-third of tech listings and increasingly in non-tech sectors like research and engineering. Healthcare and infrastructure jobs are also surging, with sports and pharmaceutical roles tripling since pre-pandemic times. Meanwhile, service roles like public safety and veterinary care are seeing declines. Despite a year-on-year slowdown, job creation remains robust. Employers are cautiously optimistic, focusing on sectors aligned with national priorities. Indeed's data shows job postings are still 43 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the market's resilience. But global uncertainty looms large. Callam Pickering, Indeed's APAC economist, says hiring remains strong enough to keep unemployment low. But he warns that geopolitical shifts could cloud future growth. Meta AI recruitment spree: US$1 billion offer declined, US$250 million accepted Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait. In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one. Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold. But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns. Hamas won't disarm without Palestinian statehood Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it. Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right. The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity. Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here. Tharman honours sinkhole rescue heroes at Istana Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road. Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support. Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism. A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August. Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here. UPDATE: Singapore F1 tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a lavish 2022 trip to Doha, where Ong hosted Iswaran on his private jet and paid for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel. The return flight, also paid for by Ong's company, Singapore GP, was only reimbursed months later, after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest. Ong then instructed Singapore GP to bill Iswaran and keep records, a move prosecutors say was intended to obstruct justice. Ong also consented to a second charge, taken into consideration, for gifting Iswaran the entire trip worth $20,850. Iswaran, who chaired the F1 Steering Committee, was sentenced to 12 months' jail last year for accepting gifts and obstructing justice. Ong's sentencing is pending. He faces up to seven years in jail and a fine. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence. The tycoon, who brought Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited in April to manage his bone marrow cancer. Read on Ong's case here. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it has no intention to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru. The announcement follows recent media reports and an 1 Aug meeting between officials from both countries. While the idea of on-demand cross-border rides was raised, no decision was made. Instead, LTA is exploring enhancements to the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. These taxis currently pick up and drop off passengers only at designated terminals – Larkin Sentral and Ban San Street. To improve convenience, LTA is considering increasing the number of pickup and drop-off points and enabling app-based bookings for licensed taxis. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains active, with safety and driver welfare as key priorities. Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules. Singapore's job market is bouncing back, with a 2.1 per cent rise in postings in June 2025, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. AI-related roles are booming, appearing in one-third of tech listings and increasingly in non-tech sectors like research and engineering. Healthcare and infrastructure jobs are also surging, with sports and pharmaceutical roles tripling since pre-pandemic times. Meanwhile, service roles like public safety and veterinary care are seeing declines. Despite a year-on-year slowdown, job creation remains robust. Employers are cautiously optimistic, focusing on sectors aligned with national priorities. Indeed's data shows job postings are still 43 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the market's resilience. But global uncertainty looms large. Callam Pickering, Indeed's APAC economist, says hiring remains strong enough to keep unemployment low. But he warns that geopolitical shifts could cloud future growth. Meta AI recruitment spree: US$1 billion offer declined, US$250 million accepted Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait. In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one. Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold. But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns. Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait. In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one. Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold. But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns. Hamas won't disarm without Palestinian statehood Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it. Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right. The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity. Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here. Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it. Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right. The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity. Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here. Tharman honours sinkhole rescue heroes at Istana Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road. Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support. Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism. A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August. Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here. Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road. Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support. Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism. A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August. Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
LTA: No plans to liberalise Singapore-Malaysia cross-border ride-hail services
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it has no plans to fully liberalise Singapore-Malaysia cross-border point-to-point transport via ride-hail services. The agency said officials from Singapore and Malaysia met on Aug 1 to discuss cross-border service arrangements, but no decision was made on the issue of allowing cross-border e-hailing to ferry passengers. "We note recent Malaysian media reports suggesting that Singapore is looking to introduce cross-border on-demand ride services. "While we are open to ideas to improve the cross-border commuting experience, we would like to clarify that LTA has no plans to fully liberalise cross-border point-to-point transport via ride-hail services," LTA posted on Facebook, Sunday. LTA said there is currently an existing reciprocal Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS) in place that allows a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each side to ferry passengers between Singapore and Johor Baru. These cross-border taxis are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers only at a single designated point in the other's country – Larkin Sentral in Johor Baru for Singapore taxis, and Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore for Malaysian taxis. "We are also considering increasing the number of boarding and alighting points in each other's country, and to use ride-hailing apps to book cross-border trips on licensed taxis," it said, noting that the existing quota of the CBTS is not fully utilised. LTA said as CBTS is a reciprocal arrangement, any change would require agreement from both governments. Meanwhile, LTA said that during the meeting, the Malaysian authorities also requested for Singapore's cross-border buses to begin their operations from Johor Baru at 4am. The agency said it is assessing the request. A key consideration is that the first buses should match the starting time of local bus and MRT services when the commuters arrive in Singapore. LTA is also talking to cross-border bus operators on the possibility of bringing forward the bus start times slightly, as well as gauging the interest of private bus operators to operate earlier services at higher fares. – BERNAMA
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
No plans to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between S'pore and Johor: LTA
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox LTA made the clarification following an Aug 1 meeting between Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Johor state's chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi. SINGAPORE - Local authorities are open to ideas that can improve the commute between Singapore and Johor, but have no plans to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services. In a statement on Aug 3, the Land Transport Agency (LTA) made this clarification following an Aug 1 meeting between Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Johor state's chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi. A cross-border ride-hailing service was among several proposals discussed during the meeting, said Mr Onn Hafiz in an Aug 1 Facebook post. On Aug 3, Mr Siow said in his own Facebook post that the two ministers had discussed many issues. They included cross-border transport, as well as the importance of safeguarding the interests of drivers and platform workers and how LTA has been enhancing enforcement against illegal passenger and delivery services. Following the ministers' meeting, some Malaysian media had reported that Singapore and Johor had proposed introducing cross-border ride hailing services as an alternative transport option for commuters. LTA said in its statement that while ride-hailing was discussed at the meeting, no decision was made. The authority noted that there is an existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each country to ferry passengers to and fro. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore LTA, Singapore bus operators reviewing Malaysia's request to start services from JB at 4am World Trump is winning his trade war, but Americans will pay the price Singapore President Tharman meets migrant workers who saved driver of car that fell into sinkhole Singapore Singapore must stay socially progressive while conserving its cultures: Tharman Opinion The charm – and drawbacks – of living in a time warp in Singapore Singapore Now flying solo, Acres CEO Kalaivanan Balakrishnan presses ahead with wildlife rescue efforts Life KPop Demon Hunters to get sequels, expanded universe to include musical, live-action remake These taxis are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at one designated point in each country - Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru for Singapore taxis, and Ban San Street Terminal at Rochor for Malaysian taxis. 'Today, the existing quota of the CBTS is not fully utilised,' said LTA. 'In view of commuter demand for more convenient cross-border travel, we will encourage full take up of the quota of licensed taxis.' The authorities are considering increasing the number of boarding and alighting points in each other's country, and for the use of ride-hailing apps to book cross-border trips on licensed taxis, said LTA. 'In any adjustment to our cross-border point-to-point transport regime, our key priorities are to better meet commuter demand while safeguarding the interests of our taxi and private hire drivers,' it added. In his Aug 1 Facebook post, Mr Onn Hafiz had said that allowing ride-hailing as a cross-border transport option could potentially reduce congestion, while opening up income opportunities for Malaysian drivers. 'It could also serve as a catalyst for a more user-friendly, safe and competitive transport system, while strengthening integration between both countries' public transport networks,' he said in remarks carried in Malaysian reports. Separately, LTA and Singapore bus operators are also reviewing a request from Malaysia's Land Public Transport Agency to start operating cross-border bus services from Johor Bahru an hour earlier , at 4am instead of 5am. In its Aug 3 statement, LTA said it is assessing whether the operating times of these services can be adjusted to help address bus crowding in the early mornings. 'A key consideration is that the first buses should match the starting time of our local bus and MRT services when they arrive in Singapore,' said the authority. SBS Transit currently operates services 160 from Johor Bahru Checkpoint, with departures starting at 5am on weekdays and 5.50am on weekends or public holidays. It also runs service 170 between Larkin Terminal in Johor Bahru and Queen Street Terminal near Jalan Besar, with departures starting from 5.20am on weekdays and 5.30am on weekends or public holidays. SMRT operates service 950 across the Causeway from Johor Bahru Checkpoint towards the Woodlands Temporary Bus Interchange. No information on the starting times for its Singapore-bound service is publicly available, but the Johor Bahru-bound service departs from Woodlands at 5.30am every day. Besides SBS Transit and SMRT, some private bus operators also offer cross-border bus services. LTA said it is 'exploring with cross-border bus operators the possibility of bringing forward the bus start times slightly, as well as engaging private bus operators on their interest to operate earlier services at higher fares'.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
No plans to ‘fully liberalise' cross-border ride-hailing services: LTA
[SINGAPORE] The Land Transport Authority on Sunday (Aug 3) said it has 'no plan to fully liberalise' point-to-point transportation between Singapore and Malaysia via ride-hailing services. This was in response to recent media reports from Malaysia, which suggested that Singapore is looking to introduce cross-border on-demand ride services. The agency clarified that officials from both countries had met on Aug 1 to discuss cross-border service arrangements. 'During the discussions, the issue of allowing cross-border (ride-hailing) to ferry passengers was raised, but no decision was made,' said LTA. While the agency is open to ideas to improve the cross-border community experience, it said there is no intention to fully liberalise cross-border transportation through ride-hailing services. Currently, there is a reciprocal Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS) that allows a licensed fleet of up to 200 taxis from each side to ferry passengers across the Causeway. These taxis are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at a single designated point on either side: Larkin Sentral in Johor Bahru for Singapore taxis, and Ban San Street Terminal in Singapore for Malaysian taxis. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up The existing quota of the CBTS has not been fully utilised, said LTA. 'In view of commuter demand for more convenient cross-border travel, we will encourage full take-up of the quota.' The agency said it is also considering increasing the number of boarding and alighting points in both countries, in addition to the use of ride-hailing apps to book cross-border trips on licensed taxis. 'Our key priorities are to better meet commuter demand while safeguarding the interests of our taxi and private hire drivers,' LTA said. Any change in the CBTS will require agreements from both governments. LTA added that during earlier discussions, Malaysian authorities had requested for Singapore's cross-border buses to start operations from Johor Bahru at 4 am. It is exploring, together with cross-border bus operators, if operating times of these services can be adjusted to address bus crowding in the early mornings. This includes engaging private bus operators on potentially operating earlier services at higher fares. 'A key consideration is that the first buses should match the starting time of our local bus and MRT services when they arrive in Singapore,' said LTA.
