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35,000 School Bus Drivers Across Malaysia Will Get RM600 Each In Special Assistance

The government has approved a grant totalling RM21 million.

Cover image via New Straits Times & Dr Wee Ka Siong

Transport Minister Dr Wee Ka Siong has announced RM21 million in special assistance for 35,000 school bus drivers across the nation

He said that the government has approved a grant under which each eligible driver will receive RM600.

According to him, the Movement Control Order (MCO) and its variations have affected many segments of society in Malaysia's continuing efforts to contain further outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"School bus operators form one of the many groups that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) had been attempting to help weather this period of uncertainty through various measures," Dr Wee said.

The special assistance is part of the PRIHATIN initiative

The PRIHATIN initiative, Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi Prihatin Rakyat, is an economic stimulus package that was launched by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on 27 March 2020.

Valued at RM250 billion, it is to help Malaysian citizens get through the current trying times.

Dr Wee, while announcing the special assistance for school bus drivers, described the PRIHATIN initiative "as a bulwark for the country during economic and social crises as a result of the pandemic".

His ministry, he said, has since proposed additional allocation to help additional groups.

"We would like to note our appreciation to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) for their cooperation with us to help affected industry players during the MCO," the Transport Minister said.

The drivers' eligibility has been defined by their valid driver licenses and using registered vehicles from licensed school bus operators

The disbursement mechanism will be announced at a later time by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), the MOT's agency in charge of distributing the assistance," Dr Wee said.

Image via Dr Wee Ka Siong

In April, registered taxi drivers, tour bus drivers, tour guides, and trishaw operators received the same amount in their accounts

"The government hopes this assistance will ease the burden of the people in living a challenging daily life due to the COVID-19 outbreak," MOH had said in a statement at the time.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's Poverty Line Income has been revised:

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