Transport Minister Anthony Loke also addressed upcoming legislative reforms, confirming proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act.
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Taxi, hire car, and school bus drivers nationwide will receive a one-off financial assistance payment of RM1,000 from Wednesday, 14 October, with payments distributed in phases across the country
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the financial aid will benefit approximately 53,000 transport operators, comprising 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers and 15,000 school bus operators.
The first group of recipients will collect their aid vouchers directly at the Ministry of Transport in Putrajaya on Wednesday, with subsequent phases to follow, according to the New Straits Times.
Loke said the early distribution aims to ensure Hindu drivers receive the assistance ahead of Deepavali, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive
Although announced under Belanjawan 2027, the funds can be disbursed before Parliament approves the budget because the payout is financed by RM91 million raised from the recent public auction of the special 'H' vehicle registration plate series.
Historically, the 'H' prefix was designated for taxis in Malaysia, making the return of the auction proceeds a way to support the public transport community.
Loke also addressed upcoming legislative reforms, confirming proposed amendments to the Road Transport Act
The proposed amendment aims to provide a mechanism for road accident victims to receive compensation from intoxicated or drug-impaired drivers. The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament early next year.
The Cabinet has given in-principle approval to the policy framework, and the Transport Ministry is working with the Attorney-General's Chambers to finalise the draft legislation. Authorities aim to introduce the bill in the first parliamentary session of next year.
Under the proposed amendments, criminal courts would be empowered to award financial compensation directly to victims during sentencing. This could reduce the need for victims to pursue separate civil lawsuits, which can be costly and lengthy.
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