Woman traumatised by JB-S'pore unlicensed ride carrying contraband cigarettes

Local content creator Azula Cinta Idris, 24, frequently commutes between Singapore and Johor Bahru.

As she and her husband wait for their BTO flat to be ready, the couple often stay with Madam Azula's aunt in JB.

On Feb 25, what was supposed to be a typical ride back to Singapore ended with her and her husband being detained for three hours at Woodlands Checkpoint.

Madam Azula's aunt had booked a ride for the couple through Telegram, a method she often used for its affordability.

An illegal ride from JB to Singapore typically costs $40 for a door-to-door service - at least half the rate charged by a licensed cab.

The car that picked the couple up was a six-seater and its driver was friendly and professional, Madam Azula told Berita Harian.

"I'd booked rides across the Causeway many times before without any issues," she said.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened and the ride was uneventful - until the car reached Woodlands Checkpoint.

Officers told the driver and the couple to step out of the car, and conducted a thorough check.

"My husband and I were detained and questioned," recalled Madam Azula.

"It was a traumatic experience. I won't forget it. I still feel shaken when I think about it."

Berita Harian cited Singapore Customs as saying that officers at Woodlands Checkpoint uncovered an attempt to smuggle 165 cartons and 250 packs of duty-unpaid cigarettes during a routine inspection. The total taxes and GST evaded amounted to around $20,580.

The vehicle was seized and legal proceedings against the driver were ongoing.

Madam Azula and her husband were determined to have no part in the smuggling and were released.

Since the incident, Madam Azula has sworn off unlicensed rides and now relies on public transport when commuting between Singapore and JB.

"I'm traumatised and won't risk going through that again," she admitted.

"I understand why people choose these services - they're cheaper. But it's not worth the risk.

"You don't know the driver's real intentions and they can put you in at risk.

"After this experience, I'll go with only licensed drivers."

Netizen Hani, in commenting on Madam Azula's TikTok post about the incident, shared that she had a similar experience.

"That was my first and last ride in a pirate taxi. I was petrified and traumatised from being stopped at the checkpoint."