KOTA KINABALU, Nov 8 – Sabah taxi drivers are welcoming the RM1,000 one-off financial assistance under Budget 2027 as they face declining passenger numbers and rising operating costs.
Many traditional taxi drivers say competition from newer transport services has affected their daily earnings. Some even spend entire days without picking up a passenger.
For women drivers like Azizarjan Japar, 43, the assistance provides much-needed financial support.
Azizarjan has worked as a taxi driver for more than 10 years. She said the money would help her manage household expenses, including her children’s education.
However, she stressed that the government must also strengthen the traditional taxi industry to keep the service relevant.
Taxi Drivers Struggle With Falling Earnings
Azizarjan said competition from other transport services has made it increasingly difficult to earn a steady income.
She hopes the authorities will introduce long-term measures to support conventional taxi drivers.
Veteran driver Erwandy Rani, 64, shared similar concerns. He has driven taxis full-time since 1984.
Erwandy said he sometimes completes only two trips in an entire week. His earnings from those trips may not even cover his fuel costs.
He described the RM1,000 assistance as meaningful recognition of his decades of service.
He also said it was the first time he had received this type of government assistance.
Daily Income Drops by More Than Half
Another driver, Abdul Patta Anbotika, 55, said taxi earnings have fallen sharply over the years.
When he started driving in 1997, he could earn up to RM200 a day in the city.
Today, earning even RM100 a day has become difficult.
He said drivers often wait for hours at taxi stands before finding passengers.
As a result, the decline in income has placed considerable pressure on drivers who depend on taxi services for their livelihood.
More Than 1,100 Transport Drivers Receive Assistance
The government distributed the RM1,000 assistance to 1,105 taxi, rental car and school bus drivers across Sabah.
Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe officiated the distribution ceremony on Nov 6.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the special assistance when he presented Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat last month.
The initiative aims to channel financial support directly to people who need it.
Calls for Long-Term Support
Although drivers welcome the financial assistance, they say a one-off payment cannot solve the industry’s wider challenges.
They want the authorities to explore ways to improve traditional taxi services and help drivers remain competitive.
For many veteran drivers, the priority is not just immediate financial relief. They also want a sustainable future for their livelihoods.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
