Govt to pay public transport gig workers’ fees

All smiles: Selangor caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Loke posing with drivers after launching the MyPSV Program at Batang Kali. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star

BATANG KALI: Good news for those looking for jobs in the gig economy – the government will bear the cost of some 4,000 eligible candidates’ public service vehicle vocational licence fees through the MyPSV programme.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said of that number, 3,500 slots are for those seeking to get public service vehicle (PSV) ehailing or taxi licences, while the remaining 500 are for PSV bus licences.

“This move will provide those from the lower-income group with more job opportunities through the gig economy, and support and improve the country’s public transport sector.

“The theory course fees for each candidate taking the ehailing or taxi PSV licence is RM190, while for those taking the vocational bus licence, it is RM2,590, comprising theory and practical exams.

“Successful applicants need not pay anything as the fees will be borne by the government,” he said in his speech at the launch of the national MyPSV programme here yesterday.

Loke said some RM2mil was allocated for the programme in Budget 2023.

He added that he hoped applicants who received the PSV bus licence would take up positions offered by Prasarana.

“There are various public transport lines in the Klang Valley, all of which need buses to complete the last-mile connectivity.

“Prasarana has decided to increase daily allowances for bus drivers to attract more candidates,” he said.

Loke said express and stage bus operators were also facing a shortage of drivers and had raised their concerns.

He urged interested applicants to submit their applications through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) portal.

“Application results will be known after about two weeks,” he said.

To be eligible for the PSV licence under the MyPSV programme, applicants must be Malaysian citizens and above 21 years old.

They will also have to pass medical checkups and should not have been blacklisted by JPJ, the police or the courts.

Those applying for the ehailing or taxi PSV licence must have a D class competent driving licence (CDL).

Applicants for the bus PSV licence must have a D class or E class CDL.

Separately, Loke said his ministry was open to reinstating mini bus services, especially in Petaling Jaya.

“Several assemblymen there have raised this and they hope these buses would provide better last-mile connectivity.”