Penang: Penang will continue incentive payments to taxi drivers and school bus operators, starting in March, said State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari. Zairil stated that the RM600 aid will be paid directly via electronic fund transfer (EFT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks the 13th year that the aid has been extended to taxi drivers and school bus operators in Penang. From 2013 to the previous year, a total of RM18.32 million has been distributed. The payment will be made in a single instalment to all eligible taxi drivers and school bus operators who meet the set criteria.

Zairil explained that applicants must apply online, eliminating the need for physical forms or documents. Eligibility requirements include Malaysian citizenship, registration with the Election Commission as voters in the state, registration with the Land Public Transport Agency, possession of a valid taxi, rental car, airport taxi, limousine, or premium taxi licence, and operation of taxi services solely in Penang.

He also highlighted that all drivers must be registered with the Social Security Organisation under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) for self-employed taxi drivers and school bus operators. Zairil urged eligible applicants to promptly update their documents on the i-Sejahtera website.

He added that applicants can seek assistance at any state assemblyman's service centres or state constituency coordination centres. The full list of requirements is available on the i-Sejahtera website.