Written Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan to Parliamentary Question on Action Taken Against Singaporean Drivers Who Change Their Car Licence Plates When Entering Malaysia

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Transport what action can be taken against Singaporean drivers who change their car licence plates when they enter Malaysia, especially when their actions have adverse or detrimental effects on other Singaporean drivers whose licence plates have been copied.

Reply by Minister for Transport Khaw Boon Wan:

1.     If the swapping of number plates is done outside Singapore, whether it is an offence will depend on the facts of the case. For instance, if the driver is also found to be in possession of the false plate with the intention to deceive in Singapore, the driver may be punished with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 12 months.

2.     We would be happy to share information, to the extent permitted by our laws, with our foreign counterparts to assist with investigations into any other possible offences under foreign laws.

3.     It is an offence to display false number plates in Singapore. Anyone found doing so may be punished with a fine of up to $5,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to 12 months.