KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Taxi drivers participating in the National MADANI Taxi Reform Programme will now own their vehicles outright under a new financing model, replacing the long-standing leasing system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said a special approval from the Ministry of Finance allows drivers to become the legal owners of their new taxis, marking the end of the traditional leasing practice in the industry.
"This is not the old scheme or the old leasing model. The owner or driver is the legal owner of the vehicle, even if it is financed through a financial institution. Ownership remains with the driver," he said at the launch of the programme officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Dataran Merdeka here today..
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
Under the programme, the Proton S70 sedan has been selected as the new official taxi model, based on its safety features, passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
Loke said the new taxis will also feature a modern look, without the traditional roof-mounted taxi topper, and will carry a special registration number series beginning with the letters "GET".
To help increase drivers' earnings, he said the ministry, in collaboration with the private sector, will introduce digital advertising screens inside taxi cabins as an additional source of income.
He added that the initiative will also be supported by the integration of digital booking systems through e-hailing platforms.
"This is not the old scheme or the old leasing model. The owner or driver is the legal owner of the vehicle, even if it is financed through a financial institution. Ownership remains with the driver," he said at the launch of the programme officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Dataran Merdeka here today..
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud.
Under the programme, the Proton S70 sedan has been selected as the new official taxi model, based on its safety features, passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
Loke said the new taxis will also feature a modern look, without the traditional roof-mounted taxi topper, and will carry a special registration number series beginning with the letters "GET".
To help increase drivers' earnings, he said the ministry, in collaboration with the private sector, will introduce digital advertising screens inside taxi cabins as an additional source of income.
He added that the initiative will also be supported by the integration of digital booking systems through e-hailing platforms.