S'porean taxi driver, 63, molests passenger, 18, along PIE

A Singaporean taxi driver asked his 18-year-old passenger to sit up front with him and molested her while driving down the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE).

According to CNA, Leong Wing Fatt, 63, was a taxi driver who had accepted a job on ride-hailing app Tada at the time.

He was sentenced to 10 days' jail on Mar. 17.

Asked her to come to the front

The incident took place on Dec. 1, 2024.

The girl, a Singaporean, booked a Tada ride and sat in the back seat of Leong's vehicle.

They began talking. Leong soon suggested she move to the front passenger seat, claiming that he had to turn his head each time he wanted to talk to her.

The girl agreed, and Leong pulled over to the road shoulder so she could move.

As Leong drove down the PIE, he used his left hand to hold the girl's left hand. He also placed his left hand on the girl's thigh, over her clothing.

She did not consent to either of these actions, the court heard.

On FaceTime

During the ride, the girl had video-called her friend on FaceTime. Leong did not know that the call was ongoing.

But his actions were captured on FaceTime by the friend, who had recorded the video call with the victim.

On Apr. 4, 2025, Leong was arrested for outrage of modesty. He was subsequently charged.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Joel Fun called such behaviour "predatory" and called for three to five weeks' jail.

He added that commuters should be able to travel safely, and that the proposed jail term would "send a clear message" to public transport workers not to harbour inappropriate intentions towards their passengers.

For molestation, Leong could have been jailed for up to two years and fined. He cannot be caned as he is over 50 years old.

Top image from AFP and Canva