General : Over 80 Pct Of Eligible Taxi, Hire-car Drivers To Receive RM1,000 Aid Before Deepavali - APAD

On November 4, taxi and rental car drivers in Malaysia began receiving RM1,000 in financial assistance through direct bank transfers or cash payments at their local bank counters. The Transport Ministry, via the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), announced that 12,033 drivers were eligible for the aid, based on records from September 30.

Out of this number, 2,619 drivers already received the assistance through Bank Simpanan Nasional cash vouchers between October 14 and November 2. These drivers attended ceremonies in Putrajaya, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, and Kedah. The remaining drivers can check their payment status via their bank accounts or the Special Financial Assistance Portal (bantuanpemandu.mot.gov.my).

Apad expects over 80% of the taxi and rental car drivers to receive the RM1,000 assistance before Deepavali on November 8. Drivers who renewed their driver cards between October 1 and 25 are still undergoing data verification and updates, with their payments expected to begin on November 11. The payment status for these drivers can also be tracked on the portal. Apad is coordinating with relevant parties to ensure the assistance reaches all eligible recipients smoothly.

In a separate initiative, about 7,228 school bus drivers are set to receive RM1,000 in special financial assistance soon through direct bank transfers to their bank accounts. Apad is working with the relevant parties to ensure timely distribution to all eligible recipients. The Special Financial Assistance Portal for school bus drivers was closed on October 30 to allow for data checks and verification. Drivers or operators can check their eligibility status through the portal from the second week of November.