PUTRAJAYA: The government will channel a portion of the proceeds from bidding for vehicle registration numbers to providing Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions for taxi drivers.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke when making the announcement said the initiative would be able to help more than 40,000 taxi drivers with a social safety net.
About 50 per cent of the proceeds from the bids for registration numbers are being channeled back to the people, involving various initiatives such as driving licence assistance, helmet assistance and Flysiswa flight subsidies.
"We hope this initiative will help to provide a social safety net to taxi drivers because a lot of them do not have any Perkeso or Employees Provident Funds (EPF) contributions," he said after unveiling the exclusive registration numbers in conjunction with the 50th Federal Territories Day.
Loke had announced the commencement of bidding tenders for exclusive registration numbers featuring the "GOLD" prefix earlier today.
On flight subsidies, Loke said the government has spent RM2.7 million in subsidies to help 6,369 passengers fly to Sabah and Sarawak for Christmas celebrations.
He said passengers only needed to pay a maximum of RM599 for flight tickets from the Peninsular as the government has subsidised RM429 per ticket.
"The same initiative will be implemented for the upcoming Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities," he said.
On another matter, Loke said 300,325 passengers benefitted from the 48-hour free KTM ride for last week's Thaipusam celebration.