This man (right) apparently ran without paying his fare of $24.30, said the surprised cabby. The taxi driver had recorded the entire incident on camera.

Here's what the shocked cabby wrote in an email today (Dec 23):

"I picked up these two passengers in my taxi at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 on Dec 21.

"I was directed to go to Shunfu Road to drop off the female passenger pictured.

"Thereafter, the male passenger directed me to go to Woodlands Avenue 5 as he had something to pick up.

"After I arrived at a bus stop along Woodlands Avenue 5, the male passenger suddenly got off the cab and ran off in the direction of Block 365.

"I gave chase, but lost sight of him after I saw him run up Block 365.

"The total cab fare was $24.30 only.

"I'd also like to clarify that this is the first time I've faced such an incident. I have since made a police report, submitting the relevant clips and screenshots, and informed the taxi company about it.

"The camera was installed to safeguard our interests, with the rising numbers in such incidents and accidents involving taxis. I happen to be a co-driver. I was also advised by the police that it is not illegal to install cameras on taxis (so long as it is not directed at passengers' privates).

"In fact, the camera has already helped the Police track a bus driver previously who hit the back of my taxi but drove off right after the incident."