Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said those with their own vehicles can raise their monthly income by RM1,500 if they work as part-time drivers for 10 to 40 hours per week.
Those able to work for more than 40 hours per week can earn up to RM4,300 monthly, he added.
The Finance Minister said the Government is also offering a solution to those who do not own a vehicle to become ride-sharing drivers.
“To those who do not own a vehicle, down payment can be made using BR1M and a rebate of RM4,000 will be provided for the purchase of a Proton Iriz,” he said in his Budget 2017 speech today.
Iriz on the move.
Najib also expressed the Government’s concern for the welfare of taxi drivers, and introduced several measures to keep them competitive.
“I am pleased to announce a grant of RM5,000 to purchase new vehicles and offer individual taxi permits, with an allocation of RM60mil.
“This will benefit 12,000 qualified taxi drivers who have ended their leasing contract with taxi companies,” he said.
He said the Government would also introduce a Socso scheme for individual taxi drivers with a monthly income of up to RM3,000, as most of them are not presently insured.
With a RM60mil launching grant, the scheme will protect taxi drivers against accidents that occur while working.
Under the scheme, they will be required to contribute between RM157 and RM443 per annum.
“Should an accident occur while working, they are eligible to claim from Socso.
“For example, a taxi driver who suffers permanent disability will receive a lump sum payment between RM43,000 and RM121,000 and a monthly payment between RM1,281 and RM2,624, for life.
“In the event of death, the next of kin shall receive dependent’s benefit at a rate from RM945 to RM2,655 per month,” Najib added.
