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Proton S70 selected for Madani taxi renewal initiative

taxi industry is not limited to introducing new vehicles but also equipping drivers with digital skills and enabling them to use ride-booking apps. “New taxis come with new technology but drivers also face new challenges and must understand new methods. Previously, payments were made in the usual way but now we use apps. “I believe that if additional training is needed for better exposure, ministry officers can go down to taxi stations to conduct training sessions and courses.” – by QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI US to contribute RM1 million for restoration of Tugu Negara KUALA LUMPUR: The United States (US) will provide RM1 million for the restoration of Tugu Negara, said US Embassy Charge d’Affaires David H. Gamble Jr. He said the contribution comes from the US government and the American people as a gift for Malaysia in celebration of its 70 years of independence next year. Gamble said there is a similar monument in Washington, D.C. – the Iwo Jima Memorial – and that both monuments were designed by the same sculptor, underscoring the historical connection between the two nations. “Given the striking similarities and how these two monuments bind our countries together, we were able to get permission to give the RM1 million to Malaysia on behalf of the American people so that Tugu Negara is ready for your big anniversary next year.” He was speaking after the “Freedom 250 Reception – Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence” event here on Thursday. The Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur brought together Malaysian government and business leaders, diplomatic partners, civil society representatives, alumni and friends of the US to celebrate a quarter millennium of American history and the enduring US-Malaysia partnership rooted in freedom, innovation and opportunity. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani attended the reception as guest of honour, Bernama reported. Gamble said the restoration process would be carried out by Malaysia, adding that the initiative had been coordinated with the Malaysian government to ensure that the restoration project meets Malaysia’s needs. Reflecting on bilateral ties, Gamble said US-Malaysia relationship had been on “hyperdrive” this year. “It started before the president (Donald Trump) came here, but ever since then, all these new opportunities are opening up for Malaysia and for the US.” On economic ties, Gamble said US businesses have been operating in Malaysia for more than a century, with the partnership seeing strong growth.

“However, we cannot deny that it is now facing significant challenges arising from technological changes, shifts in consumer behaviour and growing competition from new transport modes.” Loke added that while the challenges are real, they also present an opportunity for major reform, with the ministry actively implementing measures to strengthen the sector, including strategic planning for public transport in the Klang Valley, financing support for taxi vehicle replacement and enhanced training programmes to improve driver professionalism. The launch follows the government’s Budget 2026 announcement, which introduced a 100% exemption on excise duty and sales tax for taxi and private hire vehicle owners purchasing new nationally manufactured taxis or rental vehicles. The incentive is aimed at lowering the cost of vehicle ownership and accelerating the renewal of the nation’s ageing taxi fleet.

o Model chosen to enhance passenger experience with higher-quality vehicles and boost public acceptance of cab services

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“That is why the transformation of the taxi industry is not merely about replacing old taxis with new ones but also ensuring that taxi drivers have more opportunities to receive bookings through e-hailing platforms.” He added that the government views taxis and e-hailing services as complementary rather than competing modes of transport. Loke said among the main initiatives of the programme are priority inspections for taxis at Puspakom and other authorised motor vehicle inspection centres as well as a refreshed taxi identity with a modern look that removes the traditional taxi topper and introduces a “GET” registration plate and digital meters. “The taxi industry has long been an integral part of our public transport system, playing an important role in facilitating the daily movement of Malaysians.

rejuvenation programme. “This collaboration creates greater opportunities for taxi drivers to transition to more modern, safer and higher-quality vehicles. At the same time, the quality of service provided to passengers can also be improved.” He said to support the programme, the DRB-HICOM Group, through EON-Avis, together with financial institutions, would provide financing options to help taxi drivers switch to new vehicles according to their financial capabilities. Loke said the transformation of the taxi industry goes beyond replacing ageing vehicles with new ones. “Today, the way people use transport has changed. In the past, passengers waited for taxis at taxi stands or by the roadside but today, bookings are made through apps.

KUALA LUMPUR: The taxi renewal initiative under the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme will feature the Proton S70 as its new model, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He said the initiative is aimed at helping taxi drivers transition to newer, higher-quality vehicles while enhancing passenger experience and boosting public confidence in taxi services. “The selection of the Proton S70 as the taxi model under this programme was made based on its suitability for taxi operations, including in terms of safety, comfort and fuel efficiency.” Loke also highlighted Proton as the first national carmaker to collaborate with the government under the taxi

Loke said the programme accords a refreshed taxi identity, providing a modern look with the removal of the traditional taxi topper and introduction of a ‘GET’ registration plate and digital meters. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Additional RM10m allocated for programme KUALA LUMPUR: The government has announced an additional RM10 million allocation for the National Madani Taxi Renewal Programme, bringing the total funding to RM20 million to strengthen the taxi industry. immediate additional RM10 million today. This is specifically for taxis. Minister Anthony Loke, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Ministry and Proton. “Through cooperation to reduce repair, servicing, maintenance and financing costs, we expect drivers to be able to earn between RM5,000 and RM7,000. “That will allow them to live a little more comfortably.” Anwar said the government would continue to uphold the policy of issuing taxi permits directly to drivers rather than to third parties or permit holders, ensuring that the industry benefits are enjoyed by those who earn their livelihood as taxi drivers. He added that transforming the

“The taxi issue has long been associated with hardship, economic difficulty, outdated technology and an ageing group of drivers. I still remember in Port Dickson, Penang, Ipoh and Johor Bahru, whenever I met taxi driver friends, there were many complaints. “We must focus on the drivers. We do not neglect big projects but we must also look at those at the bottom of the chain, including taxi drivers,” he said when launching the programme yesterday. Also present were Transport

Anwar said the government is not only introducing new vehicles for taxi drivers but also providing various forms of assistance, including reducing vehicle ownership costs, easing maintenance and vehicle inspection processes as well as helping drivers increase their income. He said the programme was developed through the collaboration of the government, Transport

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made following the positive response to the programme, which he said would help improve the welfare of taxi drivers nationwide. “The government allocation I announced in last year’s budget was RM10 million. Due to the positive response, I have approved an