By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 28: Active taxi drivers in Sarawak can now take up an opportunity to upgrade their vehicles to the Proton S70 under the National MADANI Taxi Renewal Programme, with financing and maintenance options designed to ease the transition.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the programme’s expansion to Sarawak was aimed at modernising the local taxi industry while improving drivers’ welfare and passenger experience.
He said Sarawak currently has 446 active registered taxi drivers and 170 rental-car drivers under the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak.
“The programme is not just about replacing old vehicles with new ones.
“More than that, it is a comprehensive effort to transform the taxi industry, focusing on drivers’ welfare, passenger safety and comfort, and the sustainability of the public transport industry,” he said in his speech at the programme held at UNIFOR Complex here today.
The Proton S70 has been selected as the taxi model under the programme based on its suitability for taxi operations, including safety, comfort and fuel efficiency.
Hasbi said the newer vehicle could potentially help drivers reduce fuel and maintenance costs while improving productivity and net income in the longer term.
To make the upgrade more accessible, Proton through EON and financial institutions is offering financing options according to drivers’ individual financial capabilities.
These include hire-purchase packages with lower daily instalments and leasing packages that can include vehicle maintenance.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Hasbi said the federal government was also seeking to make PUSPAKOM inspections easier for drivers, including giving taxis priority during periodic inspections.
The programme also gives Sarawak taxi drivers greater scope to tap into digital bookings.
Hasbi further said taxi drivers could continue operating from conventional taxi stands while also using e-hailing platforms to secure passengers.
“They can have a station, and they can also go online,” he said.
He added that taxis and e-hailing platforms should not necessarily be viewed as competing services, as greater cooperation could give drivers access to more bookings, reduce idle time and potentially increase their income.
The federal government is also hoping the renewal drive will help attract younger people into the industry.
“Some younger people were already taking over taxi businesses from their families, effectively continuing them as family businesses.
“We hope our young people will also get involved in ensuring the taxi industry does not become a sunset industry,” he said.
Additionally, he noted younger drivers could potentially find it easier to secure financing, while the existing incentives under the programme were already available to them.
Hasbi stated that Sarawak’s taxi industry remained relatively small compared with Peninsular Malaysia, where there are tens of thousands of taxis, but stressed that local operators continued to play an important role in public transport.
He said the programme should also benefit taxi communities outside major urban centres, supporting mobility, tourism and economic activity across Sarawak.
Apart from the vehicle upgrade, the programme introduces a new identity for Malaysian taxis, featuring a modern design without the traditional taxi topper, special “GET” registration numbers and digital taxi meters.
The National MADANI Taxi Renewal Programme was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on July 3 before being expanded to Seremban, Negeri Sembilan and subsequently Sarawak.
Also present were Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian, Ministry of Transport Malaysia Land Division deputy secretary Dr Azrin Abdul Majid, Sarawak LPKP director Cornelia Wong Chui, Sarawak Transport Ministry Land Transport and Logistics Division head Chong Chi Fam, Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Norizan Jili and Sabah LPKP director Dairin Unsir. — DayakDaily
