DEEPAVALI will be a little more special for taxi driver S. Gunasundari, 61, and her family this year.
She and her husband, both retirees who drive taxis to make ends meet, received RM1,000 each in special financial assistance from Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
With three children, including a son pursuing tertiary education, they have to watch their spending.
“Deepavali is usually modest in our household but filled with fun family time.
“Now I can indulge a little when shopping for our festive meals as well as buy better things for the celebration,” she said after receiving the aid at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town, Penang.
For Asmalili Othman, 67, who has been a taxi driver for 34 years, the money will be set aside for leaner months.
“My husband and I are taxi drivers.
“As we get older, we make fewer trips and have to budget carefully.
“We have children but we want to remain independent without relying on them,” she said.
Looi Mei Chee, 36, plans to use the money for vehicle maintenance, insurance and road tax.
She said earnings had dwindled due to competition from e-hailing services.
“I hope this assistance becomes a yearly affair,” said Looi, who took to driving a taxi after the Covid-19 pandemic.
About 700 drivers attended the ceremony.
Loke said the RM1,000 one-off assistance under Budget 2027 would benefit about 38,000 taxi and hire-car drivers and 15,000 school bus drivers nationwide.
Similar distribution events will be held across the country.
