Ms. Janelle Hoeden, a 46-year-old telemarketer, embarked on a journey with her nine-year-old daughter via a ride-hailing platform, TADA, around 2 PM on a seemingly normal day. What happened next was quite unexpected. 

Initially, the interaction with the driver proceeded smoothly, with the driver assisting in placing Ms. Hoeden's bags in the car's trunk. She graciously declined further assistance since the bags were light. The ride began without any notable incidents as Ms. Hoeden engaged in conversation with her child. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the driver became agitated due to a road closure caused by the construction of an upcoming MRT line.

In an abrupt escalation, the driver started yelling at Ms. Hoeden, accusing her of providing incorrect directions and an incorrect address. Adding insult to injury, he hurled derogatory remarks, specifically saying, "You are Indian, you are stupid." It was at this point that Ms. Hoeden decided to record the encounter using her mobile phone.

The recorded video, which was subsequently shared on various social media platforms, depicted a Chinese driver repeatedly insisting that Ms. Hoeden's daughter was under the height requirement of 1.35 meters. Ms. Hoeden, in response, asserted that her daughter's height exceeded the stated limit, measuring 1.37 meters. The driver persisted in labeling the child as "very illegal."

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) guidelines dictate that all vehicles in Singapore must have booster seats or child restraints for passengers under 1.35 meters in height. Taxis are exempt from this rule, given their nature as street-hailable vehicles. It would be unreasonable to expect taxis to carry booster seats and child restraints at all times or to decline passengers with infants or children.

In contrast, private-hire cars, which require pre-booking, allow passengers to request booster seats or child restraints during the booking process. This provision enables private-hire car drivers to prepare accordingly.

As the journey continued, the Tada driver accused Ms. Hoeden of being "hao lian" (boastful in Hokkien), to which she responded in Mandarin, "Wo bu shi hao lian" (I am not boastful). This exchange further escalated as the driver continued to shout derogatory remarks, emphasizing the difference between his Chinese ethnicity and what he perceived as Ms. Hoeden's Indian background. A heated argument ensued, during which Ms. Hoeden clarified that she was Singapore Eurasian, not Indian.

You can watch the viral video below, or click here to watch it on Facebook:

Following the incident, Tada Singapore responded to public outrage on social media platforms by stating that they were actively investigating the matter. They reaffirmed their commitment to not tolerate racism, discrimination, or any form of abuse.

What do you think of this uncle's behavior? Comment below.