PUTRAJAYA — About 500 taxi, rental car and school bus drivers received RM1,000 each in one-off financial assistance at a ceremony held today as the government began distributing the aid to ease the financial burden of transport operators.
The assistance was presented at Dewan Sentral RAC, the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT), in the presence of Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
In a statement issued today, the ministry said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to safeguarding drivers’ welfare and recognising their contribution to providing essential transport services.
“The assistance is intended to provide financial relief to drivers as they balance vehicle operating and maintenance costs with daily expenses and family commitments,” the ministry said.
The programme follows the announcement of special financial assistance during the tabling of Budget 2027 on Oct 9.
The initial distribution will be followed by a phased nationwide rollout, with the next distribution scheduled in Penang on Oct 17. The ministry said the programme would also cover drivers in Sabah and Sarawak.
The early distribution also takes into account the Prime Minister’s intention to ensure that Hindu drivers receive the assistance before Deepavali, helping them manage festive expenses and prepare for celebrations with their families.
MOT said the assistance was funded by proceeds from the sale of special vehicle registration numbers under the ‘H’ series, which generated RM91.2 million.
The revenue collected this year enabled the government to begin distributing the aid before Budget 2027 is approved, following an explanation by the Transport Minister at a media conference on Oct 12.
The ministry said it would coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the assistance reached eligible recipients in an orderly manner.
Taxi, rental car and school bus drivers play an important role in providing transport to workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other destinations. The ministry said continued attention to their welfare and livelihoods was essential to supporting safe, reliable and quality land transport services.
