Singaporean Taxi Driver Who Lives in Malaysia Has Been Sleeping In His Taxi Since the MCO

A Singaporean taxi driver who lives in Malaysia has been sleeping in his taxi ever since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented. This story was shared on Facebook by, Koh, one of his passengers on 11 April.

The TransCab taxi driver is a Singapore citizen living in Johor Bahru. When Malaysia’s borders were put on a lockdown, he had no choice but to stay in Singapore to work. However, he could not afford to rent a place in Singapore as everywhere was “relatively expensive”.

“Upon entering his taxi, he told us that he’s a Singapore citizen living in Johor Bahru and has been sleeping in his taxi for this whole period after the lockdown happened in Malaysia,” Koh shared.

“I know many of you are thinking why didn’t he go back straight before the lockdown, right? But then again, who is going to earn the money and look after his family in Malaysia?”

The taxi driver then shared with Koh that his taxi company is not doing anything for his accommodations, but has waived off the taxi rent for a month.

When asked how he takes showers, the taxi driver said that he has been using the facilities at Sentosa and at a location near Woodlands Checkpoint.

The driver also told Koh that he does not eat his meals inside the taxi for fear of people taking photos of him.

“When reaching our destination, I asked if he could eat his meal inside the taxi,” Koh said.

“He said it’s better not to but he will go somewhere quiet to have his lunch because he’s afraid that people would take a photo of him for not eating at a proper place and then posting it up on social media.”

Koh then ended his post by urging people to smile and thank frontline workers for sacrificing so much during this crucial period.

Also read: Video: Singaporeans Explain Selfish Reasons Why Staying Home Is Not That Crucial During Covid-19