SINGAPORE: The Gojek driver who posted a video of a dispute between himself and a female passenger on Facebook earlier this year has been given a warning by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA).
In response to TODAY’s queries, LTA said on Wednesday that the warning was issued to the driver, Kamaruzzaman Abdul Latiff, for the unauthorised recording and disclosure of the video taken in his vehicle.
TODAY understands that Kamaruzzaman was given a conditional warning and would have to maintain a clean driving record for the next 12 months.
In the Jan 29 video – posted on the Gojek Singapore Community Facebook page on Jan 31 – Kamaruzzaman is seen having a disagreement with his passenger over Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges. He had picked up the passenger in Bishan, said earlier media reports.
The video, taken using Kamaruzzaman's mobile phone, shows the passenger saying "it is clear that you are out to cheat (my) money". She also accused the driver of attempting to kidnap her.
Kamaruzzaman repeatedly says in the video that he would prefer to settle the issue at a police station.
The incident made headlines and spawned memes – most of which were related to the passenger’s hysterical remark: “Is it because I’m Chinese?”
Although the passenger was almost unanimously condemned by netizens for her behaviour, she has not been charged over the fracas.
Flouted privacy laws
The video triggered discussions on whether Kamaruzzaman flouted privacy guidelines by recording the dispute and posting the clip on social media.
In early February, the authorities summoned Kamaruzzaman for an interview after a complaint was filed against him.
In its statement, LTA reminded taxi and private-hire car drivers “that they are not allowed to make recordings within their vehicles without LTA's approval or disclose recordings to unauthorised personnel”.
"This is to ensure commuter privacy, safety and protection of personal data," said the authority.
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