PETALING JAYA: The government’s RM15bil “Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai)” assistance package has been welcomed by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic), who said that it can help assist Malaysians and industry players to weather through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“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, ” he said.
Dr Wee said that transport industry players stand to benefit from several initiatives under the Permai package, namely the RM500 financial assistance for drivers of taxis, school buses, tour buses, rental cars, e-hailing drivers and tourist guides.
He said that applications for the RM500 financial assistance can be made through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), where more information will be released soon by the agency.
“As of now, existing records showed that more than 600 qualified applicants have yet to register with Apad, which can delay the distribution of the financial aid, ” he added.
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 buses 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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