Pemandu teksi, kereta sewa dan bas sekolah terima RM1,000 mulai Rabu

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced special RM1,000 assistance for taxi drivers, taxi hire operators, and school bus drivers across the country. The money will be distributed in stages, with the first group invited to the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday to receive the payment. The government aims to ensure the assistance reaches Hindu drivers before Deepavali celebrations.

The funds come from RM91 million generated by the sale of special vehicle number plates 'H'. Minister Loke stated that the money was available for the 2027 budget as its outcome had already been secured for the year. Earlier in Parliament, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced aid for 38,000 taxi and taxi hire drivers as well as 15,000 school bus drivers nationwide.

In related news, the government allocated RM3.4 billion for the purchase of new trains and their operations to improve public transportation services, particularly the Kelana Jaya LRT and Klang Valley lines. The Minister also mentioned that the amendment to the Road Transport Act, which would require offenders who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol to pay compensation to victims, is being considered for a first parliamentary sitting next year.

The foundation for the proposal has already been obtained from the Cabinet, while the Department of Road Transport is preparing the draft bill and relevant bills. "It will take some time to introduce the bill to Parliament due to the many technical considerations," Minister Loke said.