Loke says RM1,000 driver aid not a Melaka poll sweetener, rollout continues nationwide

Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has denied that the RM1,000 special financial assistance given to taxi, rental car and school bus drivers in Melaka today was intended to fish for votes ahead of the Melaka state election. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 2:25 PM MYT

MELAKA, Oct 26 — Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook has denied that the RM1,000 special financial assistance given to taxi, rental car and school bus drivers in Melaka today was intended to fish for votes ahead of the Melaka state election.

He said the incentive was being extended to all taxi, rental car and school bus drivers nationwide following its announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2027 in Parliament recently.

“I want to clarify some remarks made by people outside who have asked why the assistance is being given only in Melaka. The fact is that this special financial assistance is for all taxi drivers nationwide, not just those in Melaka.

“I am distributing the assistance in Melaka today. Last week, I was in Negeri Sembilan, and next week I will be going to Kedah. Taxi and rental car drivers in every state nationwide will receive this assistance,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Special Financial Assistance presentation ceremony for taxis, rental cars and school bus drivers at the CMI Complex Auditorium in Ayer Keroh here today.

A total of 283 taxi and rental car drivers received contribution vouchers worth RM1,000 each at the event today.

Loke said about 12,000 taxi, rental car and school bus drivers were expected to receive the special financial assistance this week alone to help ease their financial burden.

“Those we were unable to invite to the ceremony will receive the assistance via electronic fund transfer (EFT) or direct bank transfers.

“The assistance is available nationwide. As long as they hold a valid driver’s card and its validity is verified by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), their names can be registered in the system and they will receive RM1,000.

“Starting today, we will also credit the assistance to the bank accounts of more than 12,000 recipients. We hope the funds can be disbursed as soon as possible to ease their financial burden,” he said. — Bernama