THE Penang government has started disbursing a one-off payment of RM500 and RM300 aid to taxi and e-hailing drivers by crediting the money into their respective accounts since yesterday.
The aid is part of the RM75 million Covid-19 economic stimulus package to assist the people, especially the lower income group, during the movement control order (MCO).
The MCO enforcement, which started on March 18, has been extended from March 31 to April 14.
Buletin Mutiara managed to interview some of the recipients and below are their views:
Manogaran Marimutu (51, taxi driver)
“First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to the state government for not forgetting about us.
“Secondly, RM500 aid is really helpful for us during these trying times.
“Thus, I will spend the money on fuel and also on minor vehicle maintenance, such as changing the tyres.”
Abdul Wahab Hashim (48, taxi driver)
“I only knew about the aid from a friend last night.
“The money also has been credited to my account when I checked it this morning.
“For me, this aid can at least reduce our burden slightly because during the MCO period, it is very hard for us to find any passengers.
“Sometimes, I got no passenger at all for the whole day.
“At the same time, I need to pay a monthly rent of RM100 for the taxi. So, just imagine my struggle.
“Thus, with this RM500 aid I can use it to pay the rent and buy daily necessities as well.
“So, I am thankful to the state government for this aid.”
Tang Bah Chan (55, taxi driver)
“Personally, I hope the incentive could be more.
“This is mainly because I also have a family to be taken care of.
“Our income as a taxi driver is greatly affected by the MCO enforcement.
“However, I do understand the financial constraints faced by the state government during these challenging times.
“For me, the Penang government has done their best to help us and other groups as well. Therefore, I am grateful for that. At least, we got RM500 aid instead of nothing.”
Henry Chan (25, e-hailing driver)
“Although the amount is just RM300 for e-hailing drivers, it means a lot to me as a student.
“Since the MCO enforcement started, my college has cancelled all the classes.
“Therefore, I take the opportunity to become a full-time Grab driver.
“Even before the MCO period, I was already a part-time Grab driver.
“Thus, with this aid, it is useful for my daily expenses as a Grab driver. And I am thankful to the state.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud