'You Are Indian, You Are Stupid': Chinese Cab Driver Abuses Woman, 9-Year-Old Daughter In Singapore

A Chinese cab driver in Singapore is under investigation for abusing a woman and her nine-year-old daughter during their ride. The cab driver lashed out at the passengers over misinformation about the destination and assuming she was of Indian origin.

"He said, 'You are Indian, you are stupid'," 46-year-old Eurasian origin Janelle Hoeden said of the cab driver abuse on Saturday.

Janelle Hoeden had booked a ride through the TADA platform at approximately 2 PM on Saturday. Initially, the ride proceeded without any issues. However, tensions escalated when the driver encountered roadblocks due to the construction of an upcoming metro line in the Pasir Ris housing estate.

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The driver, a Chinese man, began shouting at Hoeden, accusing her of providing incorrect address details and directions. He went on to make derogatory comments, including calling her "Indian" and "stupid". Hoeden clarified that she was of Singapore Eurasian origin, not Indian.

This intensified when the driver questioned the height of Hoeden's daughter, claiming she was under the required height of 1.35 meters for passenger safety. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) in Singapore mandates the use of booster seats or child restraints for passengers under this height.

Hoeden recorded the incident on her phone out of fear that it might turn physical, as the driver continued to verbally abuse her. The driver shouted at the woman while driving, "You are Indian, I'm Chinese... You are the very worst kind..." Hoeden corrected the driver, saying: "I am Singapore Eurasian, not Indian."

"As he was verbally abusive, I was afraid that he would start getting physical with me, so I told her to record," the Singapore broadsheet quoted Hoeden as saying.
"Whether I was tanned skin, or Indian, or otherwise, it's unacceptable what he said - it was totally uncalled for, that he pulled out the race card," she said.

The incident gained attention after Hoeden shared a video of the encounter on her Facebook page, which was later shared by alternative news site Wake Up Singapore.

TADA Singapore responded to the incident, stating that they were investigating the matter and emphasising their intolerance of racism, discrimination, or abuse.

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"Remarks or comments that insinuate racial differences directly violate Tada community guidelines and are not representative of our company's values,” a TADA spokeswoman said to The Straits Times.

“We have initiated an internal investigation to fully understand the circumstances and will take all necessary actions based on our findings."

TADA does not condone racist comments or remarks under any circumstances, and it is committed to resolving the issue promptly and fairly," she added.