{
  "id": 15152647,
  "title": "Transport minister: RM1,000 aid for remaining eligible taxi, rental car and school bus drivers to be paid via EFT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/transport-minister-rm1-000-aid-for-remaining-eligible-taxi-rental-car",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T07:54:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/17/transport-minister-rm1000-aid-for-remaining-eligible-taxi-rental-car-and-school-bus-drivers-to-be-paid-via-eft/239469"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 17, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the final round of the RM1,000 Special Financial Aid for eligible taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers will be paid electronically via EFT. This is in response to the first phase of direct handovers to eligible drivers in specific areas. The Aid was initially presented in Putrajaya on October 14, and today, 700 taxi and rental car drivers were honored in Penang to receive the aid personally. Loke expressed satisfaction in being able to gather these drivers in person, emphasizing that all aid will be distributed to verified eligible drivers prior to Deepavali. Drivers are reminded to meet eligibility criteria, which include holding a driver card, a valid vehicle licence or permit (VP), and a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence. Loke urged drivers to stay informed about updates from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sabah, and LPKP Sarawak about the verification process. While acknowledging that the RM1,000 may not cover all problems or vehicle maintenance costs, Loke hoped the aid would alleviate some financial burdens, allowing drivers to maintain their vehicles, replace tires, or purchase fuel to continue working.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN, Oct 17 — The remaining eligible taxi, rental car and school bus drivers nationwide will receive the R...",
  "key_points": [
    "RM1,000 aid for eligible taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers to be paid via EFT.",
    "Aid announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on October 17.",
    "700 drivers honored in Penang to receive aid personally."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : RM1,000 Aid For Remaining Eligible Drivers To Be Paid Via EFT - Loke",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/general-rm1-000-aid-for-remaining-eligible-drivers-to-be-paid-via-eft",
        "published": "2026-10-17T06:30:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Transport minister: RM1,000 aid for remaining eligible taxi, rental car and school bus drivers to be paid via EFT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/transport-minister-rm1-000-aid-for-remaining-eligible-taxi-rental-car-15157329",
        "published": "2026-10-17T07:54:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}