PETALING JAYA: The government’s RM15bil Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) assistance package can better assist Malaysians and industry players to weather through the Covid-19 pandemic, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“The ministry is grateful to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the Finance Ministry for introducing Permai.
“Under Permai, 22 initiatives will be implemented based on three main objectives, which is combating Covid-19, protecting the people’s welfare and to bolster the survival of businesses, ” said the Transport Minister in a statement on Monday (Jan 18).
Dr Wee said that transport industry players stand to benefit from several initiatives under Permai, namely the RM500 financial assistance for drivers of taxis, school buses, tour buses, rental cars, e-hailing drivers and tourists guides.
He said applications for the RM500 financial assistance can be made through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), adding that more information will be released soon by the agency.
“As of now, existing records showed that about more than 600 qualified applicants have yet to register with Apad, which can delay the distribution of the financial aid, ” added Dr Wee.
Dr Wee said the bus and taxi hire purchase rehabilitation scheme will benefit many transport industry players, as under that initiative, there will be a 50% guarantee on financing for selected bus such as tour buses and taxis from hire purchase and leasing companies.
According to Dr Wee, this initiative, where RM1bil was allocated, is to allow bus and taxi operators to restructure their respective loans and enjoy the bank moratorium for 12 months as well as a lower monthly repayment.
“The ministry hopes Permai will provide relief to Malaysia as a whole, especially transport industry players, to overcome the difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic, ” he added.
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