PUTRAJAYA: All school bus owners and operators have been urged to update their drivers' details from Friday (Oct 16) until Oct 30 to facilitate the disbursement of RM1,000 in special financial assistance.
The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) said in a statement that the information could be updated through its official portal at https://bantuanpemandu.mot.gov.my/bas-sekolah.
The required information includes each driver's current name, address, telephone number, valid driving and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, and bank account number for payment.
The agency said the exercise was aimed at ensuring eligible school bus drivers receive the assistance as soon as possible, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for payments to be completed before Deepavali.
The agency said it had also engaged with the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Associations and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor School Bus Operators Association to ensure an orderly and accurate eligibility verification and payment process.
As part of the process, drivers' records will be cross-checked against databases maintained by the agency, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
This includes checking the validity of driving and PSV licences to ensure recipients meet the eligibility requirements.
Payments will be made in phases starting next Thursday.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously said about 53,000 taxi, hire car and school bus drivers were expected to receive a one-off payment of RM1,000 each before Deepavali. - Bernama
