Malaysia to distribute RM1,000 one-off aid to 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers from Wednesday, while the RM50 monthly MyKomuter50 pass is expected by January 2027
PUTRAJAYA: A one-off special financial aid of RM1,000 for 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers will be distributed in phases starting this Wednesday, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Speaking at a press conference here today, Loke said the distribution would begin with an initial group invited to the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to receive vouchers, followed by other groups in stages.
“Following the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (via Budget 2027), 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 special registration numbers generated RM91.2 million in revenue.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said last Friday while presenting the budget themed “Malaysia MADANI: Reaching for the Skies while Anchored on Our Values” that the aid would be distributed this week as part of the effort to channel the proceeds from the special registration number 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 January 1 next year at the latest.
He noted that the monthly pass would allow Malaysian citizens unlimited use of KTM Komuter services for 30 days, thereby helping to reduce transportation and living costs.
“Previously, it was quite difficult to introduce this without any allocation or approval from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), as the Komuter service involves longer-distance travel.
“Ticket prices are higher. So, with the MOF’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.
Loke said the implementation of the pass is currently being worked on with KTMB, including preparations for the ticketing system to make it easier for users to obtain the pass.
He added that the government also plans to improve KTM Komuter services, including 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.