Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional RM10 million allocation to the Transport Ministry for the implementation of the Vehicle Replacement Matching Grant Programme, specifically for taxi drivers.
The additional funding was revealed during the launch of the National MADANI Taxi Renewal Programme, which also introduced financing support for new Proton S70 vehicles for taxi operators nationwide.
Anwar said the MADANI taxi initiative is expected to raise taxi drivers’ net income to between RM5,000 and RM7,000 by reducing maintenance costs, repair expenses, and improving access to financing facilities.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to reform the taxi permit system, including a proposal to issue permits directly to drivers rather than large companies as practised previously.
The Prime Minister said the issue of direct ownership for drivers has been raised for decades, including in Parliament, and the current administration is working towards enabling drivers who are capable of operating taxis to hold permits themselves.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had earlier requested an additional RM10 million for the matching grant programme after the initial allocation of RM10 million was fully utilised within three months.
The government said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the taxi industry and improve the livelihoods of drivers across the country.
