Remaining Taxi and School Bus Aid to Be Paid via EFT

The Bantuan Khas Kewangan is a targeted one-off financial assistance scheme of RM1,000 provided by the Malaysian federal government under the Ministry of Transport for eligible taxi drivers, rental car operators, and school bus drivers nationwide. Introduced under the national Belanjawan 2027 initiative, the aid mitigates escalating operational expenditures, including vehicle maintenance, replacement of worn tyres, and fuel costs. The remaining eligible recipients across Malaysia will receive their cash disbursement directly into their individual bank accounts through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) following the initial physical handover ceremonies.

Key Facts

The Ministry of Transport will disburse the remaining RM1,000 Bantuan Khas Kewangan directly to eligible Malaysian transport drivers via Electronic Funds Transfer before Deepavali.

When and How Will the Remaining Aid Be Disbursed?

The remaining Bantuan Khas Kewangan recipients will receive RM1,000 deposited straight into their verified bank accounts via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in the next phase. This electronic rollout succeeds Phase 1 physical events, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirming that all verified disbursements will reach eligible drivers before the Deepavali festivities.

Physical distribution commenced with a national launch in Putrajaya on 14 October 2026, followed by a second regional ceremony at Dewan Sri Pinang, Penang, on Saturday, 17 October 2026. During this second event, 700 taxi and rental car operators were assembled as symbolic representatives to receive their payouts directly.

"I know this RM1,000 value may not solve all problems or completely cover vehicle maintenance costs, but I sincerely hope this contribution can somewhat reduce kitchen expenses, help replace worn tyres, or fill the fuel tank so you can continue to earn a living."

Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport

Following initial physical ceremonies in Putrajaya and Penang, all remaining eligible taxi, rental car, and school bus drivers will receive their RM1,000 payout electronically via EFT.

What Are the Mandatory Eligibility Requirements for Drivers?

To qualify for the RM1,000 financial aid, transport operators must maintain active regulatory credentials, including an active Driver Card (Kad Pemandu), a valid vehicle permit or licence (VP), and a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence. These prerequisites enable government agencies to run structured data screening without verification delays.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stressed that screening protocols require strict coordination across key Ministry of Transport licensing authorities to maintain fairness and transparency. Drivers must follow announcements released by:

• Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat (APAD) for Peninsular Malaysia;
• Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) Sabah;
• Lembaga Pelesenan Kenderaan Perdagangan (LPKP) Sarawak.

Drivers must hold an active Driver Card, a valid vehicle permit, and a valid PSV licence to pass Ministry of Transport screening for the RM1,000 aid.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This government relief package is specifically designed for registered commercial public transport drivers across Malaysia, namely school bus operators, traditional taxi drivers, and rental car operators facing acute daily running costs. Urban traffic congestion in major centres such as the Klang Valley and Penang subjects vehicles to rapid wear, inflating routine mechanical costs.

Unlike corporate fleet operators, individual owner-drivers bear full responsibility for high replacement costs of consumable parts under hot Malaysian road conditions. The RM1,000 lump sum serves as targeted operational capital to finance immediate necessities, including tyre replacements, routine servicing, and daily fuel consumption for commercial transport operations.

The Belanjawan 2027 special aid directly targets registered Malaysian school bus, rental car, and taxi operators facing heavy daily vehicle maintenance expenses.

Common Questions

How will the remaining transport operators receive the RM1,000 aid?

Remaining eligible drivers will receive the RM1,000 payment directly into their bank accounts through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This automated method follows the completed physical handover events held in Putrajaya and Penang.

What vehicle documents are required to pass the recipient screening?

Eligible operators must hold an active Driver Card (Kad Pemandu), a valid vehicle permit or licence (VP), and a currently valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence verified by APAD or regional commercial vehicle licensing boards.

What is the final payment deadline for eligible recipients?

Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that all verified and eligible recipients will receive their full financial aid disbursements before the Deepavali celebration, following coordinated screening by transport licensing authorities.

Sources and Methodology

This article synthesises official statements reported by domestic news agency Bernama and automotive portal Careta regarding the Belanjawan 2027 public transport financial relief measures. Original Malay-language source statements were translated into British English while retaining formal Malaysian statutory titles, government body acronyms (APAD, LPKP), and official currency denominations (RM). This article was last updated on 18 October 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Ministry of Transport briefing at Dewan Sri Pinang.