Over 80 Pct Of Eligible Taxi, Hire-car Drivers To Receive RM1,000 Aid Before Deepavali - APAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- More than 80 per cent of eligible taxi and hire-car drivers will receive RM1,000 in special financial assistance ahead of Deepavali this Sunday.

The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), in a statement today, said the assistance was being disbursed in stages through various methods to ensure a smooth and orderly process.

“Based on driver card records that were active as of Sept 30, a total of 15,062 taxi and hire-car drivers have been identified as registered recipients of the assistance.

“Of the total, 2,619 drivers received the assistance through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) cash vouchers between Oct 14 and Nov 2,” the statement said.

APAD said the payments involved drivers invited to attend financial assistance presentation ceremonies in Putrajaya, Penang, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Kedah.

APAD said payments to 12,033 drivers began on Nov 4 through direct bank transfers into accounts registered under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) programme or over-the-counter cash payments.

The agency said drivers can check their payment status through their respective bank accounts or the Special Financial Assistance Portal at bantuanpemandu.mot.gov.my from Nov 4.

For drivers who renewed their driver cards between Sept 30 and Oct 25, the process of updating and verifying their records is ongoing, with payments expected to begin on Nov 11 through direct bank transfers or over-the-counter cash payments, it said.

“Drivers can also check their payment status through the designated portal from Nov 11. APAD will continue to coordinate the payment process with relevant parties to ensure the assistance is disbursed to all eligible recipients in a smooth and orderly manner,” the statement said.

In a related development, APAD said about 7,228 school bus drivers are expected to receive RM1,000 in financial assistance soon through direct bank transfers into their respective accounts.

It said drivers and companies can check the eligibility status of registered drivers from the second week of November.

“This initiative reflects the MADANI government's commitment to recognising the contributions of public land transport drivers and easing their financial burden, particularly amid the rising cost of living,” the statement added.

-- BERNAMA