Vouchers to help taxi drivers
Posted on June 23, 2012, Saturday
KUALA LUMPUR: Come Sunday, the parking area at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil will serve as the congregating point for taxi drivers from the cities and rural areas from all over the country.
The taxi drivers, dubbed the ‘little ambassadors’, will be honoured with numerous activities and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The 1Malaysia People’s Taxi (TR1Ma) with the Prime Minister Programme is a show of appreciation for the taxi drivers’ contribution and it is the brainchild of the prime minister, who advocates the well being of all segments of society.
The 1Malaysia People’s Taxi (TR1Ma) with the Prime Minister Programme is to be held in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Communication and Culture (KPKK) and the Land Transportation Commission (SPAD) provides recognition for their contribution to the public and the nation.
As a reward, those who registered as the first drivers stand to receive tyre vouchers worth RM520 and group insurance coverage.
SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar told Bernama’s Radio 24 that about 67,000 taxi drivers from all over the country would benefit from the vouchers.
A number of the drivers who register for the TR1Ma programme will receive tyre vouchers from the prime minister.
“We always hear of the woes faced by taxi drivers in light of the high maintenance cost. Therefore, a total of RM35 million has been allocated to SPAD through Yayasan 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) for the tyre vouchers that will be split into two vouchers, each worth RM260.
“Apart from this, group insurance will be provided through KPKK’s efforts,” he said.
To ensure aid reaches the target group, only those qualify who are registered as the first driver driving any of the four types of taxis – budget, executive, chartered taxis and airport taxis.
Further, drivers have to be Malaysians, posses a PSV licence and a valid driving licence, and they have to register for this voucher at any SPAD counter or the Road Transport Department Counters (JPJ).
Registration is open beyond June 24, with the vouchers being valid for six months, and they can be used at any Goodyear or Continental tyre outlets.
So far, about 14,000 of the 67,000 taxi drivers have registered for the TR1Ma assistance.
“We will scrutinise the applicants to ensure they fulfil the criteria. If they qualify, two vouchers, valued at RM520 in total, will be given so they can change all four tyres.
“The vouchers are split into two to allow them to change two tyres first, and another two later. This may not be the ultimate solution, but in the short term helps the taxi drivers in providing good service,” he said.
On the insurance, Syed Hamid noted, “The insurance is being handled by KPKK, therefore I don’t have the figures for the insurance coverage. The only thing that I can say is that the premium is really cheap, only RM10, and is an addition to their existing insurance coverage”.
To enhance the image of the taxi driver profession, the ‘Best Taxi Driver’ award has been introduced to provide recognition to drivers who exhibit noble values in providing service.
“The best driver’s award will be handed out during the TR1Ma by the Prime Minister, with a cash prize of RM10,000 for the winner,” he said.
Lucky drivers stand to win a Proton Saga, motorcycle, and latest gadgets such as iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, notebook computers, hand phones and hampers from lucky draws. — Bernama
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