PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has paid tribute to taxi drivers who stood by him during his political struggles in 1998, saying their contributions should not be forgotten now that he leads the government.
Anwar recalled how members of the group supported him when he was arrested, assaulted and imprisoned, describing their loyalty as something he would always remember.
He said their support was one reason he would not dismiss their requests for assistance, including the RM1,000 financial aid provided under a special government programme.
“When I was in dire straits — kicked, beaten and thrown into the lock-up — these were the people who helped me. How could I possibly say no if these people were to ask for RM1,000 now that I am Prime Minister?” he said.
He was speaking at the launch of a special financial assistance scheme for taxi drivers, rental car operators and school bus drivers at the Transport Ministry.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Road Transport Department director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramly.
Anwar acknowledged that taxi drivers were facing mounting pressure from competition, particularly from e-hailing platforms such as Grab, which have changed the transport industry.
He said drivers had repeatedly raised concerns about their livelihoods during meetings with him, prompting the government to explore ways to reduce their financial burdens.
“Competition was less intense in the past. Now they have to compete with new vehicles, Grab and other services. Whenever I meet them, they share their grievances. We need to find ways to ease their burden,” he said.
While acknowledging that the government could not resolve every challenge faced by taxi drivers and other transport operators, Anwar said it remained committed to providing assistance where possible.
He added that several options were being considered, including cooperation with national carmaker Proton, measures to ease loan repayments and the possible use of revenue generated from vehicle registration number bids.
At the event, about 500 taxi drivers, rental car operators and school bus drivers received RM1,000 contribution vouchers each under the Special Financial Assistance Programme.
The initiative was announced during the presentation of Budget 2027 on Oct 9.