Govt lends helping hand to B40 group to get driving licences

PETALING JAYA: More people from the low income group will be able to get their driving licences easily with the Bantuan Lesen Memandu Keluarga Malaysia (BLKM) programme.

The programme, which was first launched in March in Bera, Pahang, was officially introduced in the Ayer Hitam parliamentary constituency in Johor by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday.

“This programme under the Road Transport Department (JPJ) was created to reduce the burden of Keluarga Malaysia, especially the B40 category (low income group), when it comes to owning a valid driving licence,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post after launching the event.

In his speech, Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, reminded everyone to always put road safety first.

“I also highlighted road accident statistics, which involve a high number of motorcyclists.

“I hope programmes such as the BLKM will be able to help the Malaysian Family, particularly the B40 group, to obtain driving licences easily so that they can go about their daily activities, including youths who are working in the gig economy to generate income,” Dr Wee, who is also MCA president, added.

BLKM was launched in Bera on March 13 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Those present at the launch in Ayer Hitam were Yong Peng assemblyman and Johor state exco member Ling Tian Soon, Johor JPJ director Azmi Zainal Adnan, Batu Pahat JPJ branch head Zulhilmi Zaidie, and Dinamik community driving institute managing director Andrew Wong Ming Chieh.

Under the programme, those who wish to obtain a B2 motorcycle licence will only need to pay RM250, which includes a brief course.

The amount is far cheaper than the usual fee of around RM750.