Baku:The one-off financial assistance of RM1,000 for taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers aims to alleviate financial strain, especially with the upcoming Deepavali festival and the new school year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Siti Maryam Samsuri, a 45-year-old female taxi driver and single mother, expressed that the aid arrived at an opportune time to assist with her children's educational expenses. She plans to use the money for school-related purchases for her family. Siti Maryam appreciated the financial assistance, feeling acknowledged in her role within the public transport sector.

Retired police officer M. Selvadurai, 64, who has been a taxi driver for 15 years, expressed gratitude for the government's swift action in disbursing the aid, particularly as the Hindu community prepares for Deepavali. He noted that the assistance will significantly ease the financial burden on taxi drivers during this festive period.

Hong Soon Leong, a 54-year-old taxi driver with 12 years of experience, valued the RM1,000 aid for contributing to his taxi maintenance costs. As a father of three and the family's main provider, he described the assistance as a crucial support, especially for his wife who has a visual impairment.

The financial aid was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Budget 2027 presentation. It is funded through proceeds from the sale of special 'H' series vehicle registration numbers, which raised RM91.2 million. The distribution of this assistance began today and will reach all eligible drivers with valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) vocational licenses before Deepavali on November 8.