KUALA LUMPUR: A taxi association has expressed its sstisfaction over the effectiveness of the 1Malaysia Taxi Assistance Card (Kad Bantuan Teksi 1Malaysia) which was currently being used by taxi drivers in the country.
Persatuan Pengusaha Teksi Bumiputera Malaysia (Perbumi) president Datuk Mohd Alias Abdul said most taxi drivers had started to use the assistance card at Petronas stations and they were totally satisfied with it.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for disbursing the aid to qualified taxi drivers, which I see as a really great effort and aid for taxi drivers by the government.
"In terms of usage, the assistance card has been working really well without any issue at the petrol stations in the country and many of the drivers have benefited from the card."
Alias said although the qualified drivers received only RM800 each through the assistance card, he believed that the amount was sufficient enough to benefit them in many ways.
"From what I heard, they are grateful for the amount allocated for them and RM800 meant a lot for the taxi community.
"The only suggestion I have is for the government to also look into the welfare of taxi companies as well, as these companies need financial help to operate well.
"I believe the drivers can still survive, but taxi companies also need financial assistance for the maintenance and management of the companies.
"The taxi industry contributed a lot to the development of our country and it would be great if the government could consider assisting the companies as well," he told the New Straits Times Press.
A total of 67,000 taxi drivers nationwide were set to receive the card at a total allocation of RM53.6 million.
In making the announcement, Najib said the aid would be disbursed via the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the Finance Ministry.