Hanoi:Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that a one-off special financial aid of RM1,000 for 38,000 taxi and rental car drivers will start being distributed in phases this Wednesday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the distribution will commence with an initial group invited to the Ministry of Transport to receive vouchers, followed by other groups in subsequent stages. This initiative follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as part of Budget 2027. The goal is to ensure that Hindu drivers receive their aid before Deepavali.

Loke addressed concerns about how the aid can be provided when the budget has not yet been passed. He clarified that the revenue from the sale of 'H' series special registration numbers, announced by the Prime Minister, has already been collected this year. Reports indicate that this bidding process generated RM91.2 million in revenue.

In related developments, Loke mentioned the upcoming implementation of the MyKomuter50 pass, which is expected to be available by January 1 next year. Priced at RM50 per month, this pass will grant Malaysian citizens unlimited use of KTM Komuter services for 30 days, aiming to reduce transportation and living costs. The introduction of this pass was made possible with approval from the Ministry of Finance, facilitating collaboration with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).

He further stated that preparations for the pass are underway, including updates to the ticketing system. Additionally, the government plans to enhance KTM Komuter services, with 12 new train sets to be deployed in the northern sector by February next year and an increase in train frequency within the Klang Valley.