S'pore woman allegedly punched in the face 10 times after trying to alight shared cab with couple in JB

A woman, Madam Lee, claimed that she was punched in the face more than 10 times by a man after trying to alight a shared cab from Johor Bahru.

The incident happened close to Johor Bahru City Square on Aug 18, 2017, at about 12am . 

Madam Lee, who holds a Singapore identity card, told Shin Min Daily News that she was in Johor Bahru visiting relatives and shopping during the time of the incident. 

She then boarded a taxi near City Square.

Said the 46-year-old manager :

“There were two other women and the three of us initially agreed to a $30 fare with the driver, but they suddenly backed out. 

“A couple then came along.

“The man looked intimidating so I asked the driver if I could reject sharing the cab with them, but he simply ignored me.

“The driver then went off and was replaced by another driver, who seemed like he knew the couple.“

After the taxi moved off, Madam Lee found a plastic bag wedged between the legs of the driver, and suspected that he was ferrying prohibited items.

Fearful of implications, she asked the driver to stop, intending to alight.

However, the couple insisted that the driver continue moving. 

Just as she turned to protest, she was suddenly punched by the man.

Madam Lee sustained injuries on her face and right arm from the assault.

She elaborated on the viciousness of the attack:

“He punched me more than 10 times, and my face was bleeding.

“There were also scratch marks.

“The driver then kicked me out of the taxi and I didn’t have enough time to take my passport and personal documents which were still in the cab.

“I went to a doctor in Malaysia and stayed with a friend for the time being.

“After a few days, I managed to locate the driver and retrieve my documents.”

Madam Lee said that she has lodged a report with the Singapore Police Force over the incident.

In response to media queries, a spokesman confirmed that a report was made.