PUTRAJAYA: The one-off special financial aid of RM1,000 for 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers will be distributed in phases starting this Wednesday, says transport minister Loke Siew Fook.
Speaking at a press conference here today, Loke said the distribution would begin with an initial group invited to the transport ministry to receive vouchers, followed by other groups in stages.
"Following the announcement made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (in the 2027 budget), we will begin distributing this aid in phases as early as this Wednesday. We are committed to providing the assistance promptly so that Hindu drivers can receive it before Deepavali.
"Some have asked how this aid can be provided when the budget has only just been tabled and not yet passed.
"I wish to clarify that the revenue from the prime minister's announcement specifically the sale of the 'H' series special registration numbers (NPI) has already been collected for this year," he said.
Media reports previously said bidding for the "H" series NPI had generated RM91.2 million in revenue.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said while presenting the budget last Friday that the aid would be distributed this week as part of efforts to channel the proceeds from NPI sales back to the people.
In a separate development, Loke said the MyKomuter50 pass, priced at RM50 per month, is expected to be implemented by Jan 1 next year at the latest.
He said the monthly pass would allow Malaysians unlimited use of KTM Komuter services for 30 days, helping to reduce transportation and living costs.
"Previously, it was quite difficult to introduce this without any allocation or approval from the finance ministry as the Komuter service involves longer distance travel.
"Ticket prices are higher. So, with the finance ministry's approval, we are pleased to collaborate with KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd) to introduce the My50-style pass for Komuter, known as MyKomuter50," he said.
The government also plans to improve KTM Komuter services, including through the deployment of 12 new train sets in the northern sector as early as February next year and a gradual increase in train frequency within the Klang Valley.