{
  "id": 14058019,
  "title": "RM1,000 one-off aid to be paid from tomorrow, says Loke",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/rm1-000-one-off-aid-to-be-paid-from-tomorrow-says-loke",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T22:00:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1554075/rm1000-one-aid-be-paid-tomorrow-says-loke"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Taxi, hire car, and school bus drivers will receive a one-time RM1,000 financial aid from tomorrow, announced Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The assistance aims to support around 38,000 taxi and hire car drivers, along with 15,000 school bus drivers. The first recipients will collect their vouchers at the Transport Ministry the following day. Loke explained that the early disbursement is to ensure Hindu drivers receive the financial aid before Deepavali, as per the Prime Minister's wishes. The RM91 million for these payments originates from the sale of special H vehicle registration numbers. The funds can be disbursed before the 2027 Budget approval due to this allocation. Loke also mentioned that amendments to the Road Transport Act, intended to grant compensation to victims of accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are expected to be presented in Parliament next year once the cabinet gives its approval. This change aims to streamline the process, allowing courts to award compensation during criminal proceedings, thus avoiding lengthy civil suits and ensuring timely support for victims.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}