Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made following a positive response to the programme, which he said would help improve the welfare of taxi drivers nationwide.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has announced an additional RM10 million allocation for the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme, bringing total funding to RM20 million to strengthen the country’s taxi industry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made following a positive response to the programme, which he said would help improve the welfare of taxi drivers nationwide.
“The government allocation I announced in last year’s budget was RM10 million. Due to the positive response, I have approved an immediate additional RM10 million today. This is specifically for taxis,” he said when launching the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme at Dataran Merdeka today.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Anwar said the government was not only introducing new vehicles for taxi drivers but also providing various forms of assistance, including reducing vehicle ownership costs, easing maintenance and vehicle inspection processes, and helping drivers increase their income.
He said the scheme was developed through collaboration between the government, the Transport Ministry (MOT) and Proton, with the Proton S70 selected as the new taxi model, alongside financing packages tailored to drivers’ needs.
“Under this scheme, through cooperation to reduce repair, servicing, maintenance and financing costs, we expect drivers to be able to earn between RM5,000 and RM7,000. That will allow them to live a more comfortable life,” he said.
Anwar also stressed that the government would continue to uphold the policy of issuing taxi permits directly to drivers rather than to third parties or permit holders, ensuring that the benefits of the industry are enjoyed by those who earn their livelihood as taxi drivers.
He added that transforming the taxi industry was not limited to introducing new vehicles but also involved equipping drivers with digital skills and enabling them to use ride-booking applications.
He also urged MOT to conduct training programmes at taxi stations to help drivers master new technologies without affecting their ability to earn an income.
“Every driver who receives the new Proton S70 must also undergo a training programme. It is not just about a new car or a new look; the new technology must also be mastered,” he said.
