Recruiting youngers drivers vital as ageing workforce threatens Sarawak’s taxi industry (Video)

KUCHING (Aug 28): In an effort to maintain the viability of Sarawak's taxi industry amidst an ageing workforce, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah has encouraged young people to join the sector. The National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme provides incentives and financing options to attract younger drivers, such as hire-purchase and leasing packages for vehicles like the Proton S70.

Hasbi emphasized the need for younger individuals to participate and ensure the taxi industry does not become obsolete. Some younger drivers have already taken over taxi businesses from their parents, who traditionally operated in family-owned businesses. The programme aims to ease the burden on existing drivers by providing support for vehicle maintenance, inspections, and Puspakom requirements.

Taxis can now operate through e-hailing platforms alongside traditional services, allowing for greater flexibility. Sarawak currently has 446 active taxi drivers registered, compared to the tens of thousands in Peninsular Malaysia. While company-based taxi operations are open to participation, they must be initiated with the consent of existing operators to maintain the growth and development of the industry.