KUCHING: Taxi drivers are being offered newer vehicles, flexible financing and maintenance support under the National Teksi MADANI Renewal Programme as the government seeks to modernise the industry.
Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, said the programme was designed to address some of the challenges faced by taxi drivers, including vehicle maintenance costs and the need for more flexible financing options.
“Maintenance is included in the new programme. We understand what they are facing, which is why the programme includes maintenance and assistance with matters such as going to PUSPAKOM,” he said after officiating at the programme at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex here today.
The programme offers drivers a choice of financing arrangements according to their financial capabilities, including hire purchase with lower daily instalments and lease to own packages that include vehicle maintenance.
Under the lease to own arrangement presented at the programme, drivers can choose contracts of five or seven years, with ownership transferred for RM1 upon completion of the contract.
The package also includes maintenance, while the daily lease cost ranges from RM80 to RM100 depending on the maintenance, insurance and contract arrangements.
The Proton S70 has been selected as the new taxi model under the programme, with the vehicle promoted as a more modern, practical and cost efficient option for taxi operations.
Hasbi said drivers could choose other vehicle models according to their needs, although the S70 was the model specifically offered under the programme.
The new taxi design also features a special ‘GET’ registration number, a dedicated taxi decal and a digital meter displaying fares and recording journey data.
The changes are intended to give Malaysian taxis a more distinct and modern identity while improving passenger confidence in the service.
Hasbi said the industry also needed to adapt to changing passenger habits, particularly the growing use of online platforms for transport bookings.
“Taxi drivers can operate both ways. They can have a station and they can also operate online,” he said.
He said taxis could continue operating from conventional stations while also using e-hailing platforms to obtain bookings.
Greater cooperation between taxi operators and e-hailing platforms could provide drivers with more booking opportunities, reduce idle time and increase their potential income.
The programme also provides information on social protection, taxi licence applications, e-hailing income opportunities and vehicle financing through agencies and industry partners including the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak, Grab and Proton.
There are currently 446 registered taxi drivers, 7,326 e hailing drivers, and 170 registered rental car operators in Sarawak.
Hasbi said the government hoped the renewal programme would help ensure the taxi industry remained relevant while giving drivers better opportunities and passengers safer, more comfortable and higher quality services.
