Budget 2027: RM1,000 aid to help school bus drivers weather holiday income slump

In the 2027 Malaysian Budget, the government has introduced a special financial aid of RM1,000 to support school bus drivers and taxi drivers during the holiday income slump. Dr M. Muruga, president of the Malaysian School Bus Operators and Drivers Association, emphasized the critical significance of this aid, stating that the school bus fare collections often dip during school holidays.

With over 3,000 registered members, 60% of whom are women, Dr Muruga highlighted that this financial support is long overdue for the drivers who have advocated for government recognition for years. The coalition representing three Johor Bahru-Singapore cross-border taxi associations, led by Mohd Suhaimi Saidi, also welcomed the assistance as it would alleviate financial burdens on taxi drivers, who are particularly vulnerable in the current economic climate and face threats from e-hailing services.

The government plans to distribute this one-off RM1,000 aid to 38,000 taxi drivers, including those operating rental cars, and 15,000 school bus drivers nationwide, funded by the proceeds from the sale of special 'H' series vehicle registration numbers.