Transport minister denies that the special financial assistance is an effort to fish for votes ahead of the state election.
Key takeaways
Transport Minister Loke Siew Fui clarified that the RM1,000 driver incentive announced in Melaka applies nationwide to taxi, rental, and school bus drivers. This statement addressed criticism from opposition leader Lee Chean Chung, who alleged the move constituted pre-election cash handouts.
- The RM1,000 aid extends to taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers across all Malaysian states.
- Lee Chean Chung urged the Election Commission and MACC to investigate the announcement as potential pre-election handouts.
- Loke stated the incentive was part of the 2027 budget and is not limited to Melaka drivers.
Summarised automatically by AI from the original article by Free Malaysia Today. AI can make mistakes, so check the original for details.
Transport minister Loke Siew Fook handing a voucher for special financial assistance to a recipient at an event in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, today. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Transport minister Loke Siew Fook today denied that the RM1,000 special financial assistance for taxi, rental car and school bus drivers is intended to fish for votes ahead of the Melaka state election.
He said the incentive would be extended to taxi, rental car and school bus drivers nationwide, following its announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the 2027 budget in Parliament.
"I want to respond to some people who have asked why assistance is being given only in Melaka. The fact is that this special financial assistance is for all drivers nationwide, not just those in Melaka.
