RM1,000 lifeline: Sabah taxi drivers get first-ever cash aid as passengers dwindle

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 8 — In a rare cash aid effort, Sabah's taxi drivers are receiving RM1,000 as part of Budget 2027 Special Financial Assistance, as their earnings have dwindled due to increasing competition from alternative modes of transport. Azizarjan Japar, a 43-year-old mother of four, shared she often goes entire days without picking up passengers, making the assistance vital for covering her family's daily needs and school expenses.

Veteran taxi driver Erwandy Rani, 64, praised the aid as a recognition of his four decades of service on the road, mentioning he frequently gets only two trips in a week, with fares insufficient to cover fuel costs. Abdul Patta Anbotika, 55, noted a 50% drop in daily earnings since starting his taxi service in 1997, emphasizing the government's recognition of veteran drivers' struggles.

The one-off assistance, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aims to provide immediate relief while emphasizing the need to strengthen the taxi service for the long term.