The government has approved an additional RM10 million in matching grants to help more taxi drivers replace ageing vehicles, following overwhelming demand that exhausted the initial allocation within three months.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the fresh funding is aimed exclusively at taxi operators.
“The response has been very encouraging, so I have approved another RM10 million specifically for taxis,” he said.
Anwar reiterated that taxi permits should remain in the hands of drivers instead of third parties to ensure operators directly benefit from the industry’s transformation.
The government is also working with Proton, financial institutions and relevant ministries to offer more affordable ownership packages, including lower financing, maintenance and after-sales costs.
The initiative aims to lift taxi drivers’ monthly earnings to between RM5,000 and RM7,000 by lowering operating costs, improving financing access and enhancing service efficiency.
Anwar also called for digital training to be brought directly to taxi stands to help drivers adopt booking applications without disrupting their daily income.
He added that taxi drivers are ambassadors for Malaysia, playing a vital role in shaping visitors’ first impressions of the country through their professionalism and service.
