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Transport Minister Denies Taxi Incentive Scheme Targets Melaka Voters

Malaysia's Transport Minister has dismissed suggestions that a RM1,000 assistance programme for taxi drivers was designed to influence voters in Melaka. The incentive was distributed nationwide to all taxi, rental car and school bus operators.

LSN Malaysia · 26 October 2026

Transport Minister Denies Taxi Incentive Scheme Targets Melaka Voters

The Transport Minister moved to clarify that a recently announced RM1,000 financial assistance scheme for drivers was part of a nationwide initiative and not targeted at any particular state or electoral consideration. The assistance was extended uniformly across the country to taxi drivers, car rental operators and school bus drivers, he stated. The clarification came amid suggestions in some quarters that the timing and focus of the scheme may have been linked to electoral considerations in Melaka. The minister stressed that the assistance programme formed part of the government's broader support measures for the transportation sector, which has faced ongoing challenges. The uniform distribution across all states underscores the inclusive nature of the initiative rather than any geographically-selective approach, he added.