Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM10 million allocation for the Vehicle Replacement Matching Grant Programme to help taxi drivers replace ageing vehicles, supplementing the initial RM10 million in Budget 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. He said the extra funds are dedicated to the National Madani Taxi Reform Programme, which seeks to increase drivers' net income by cutting repair, maintenance, servicing, and financing costs [1, 3, 4]. Anwar said, "The response to the allocation announced in the Budget has been very encouraging. Given the importance of the taxi industry, I have approved an immediate additional RM10 million specifically for taxi reform" [4].
The National Madani Taxi Reform Programme aims for taxi drivers to earn RM5,000 to RM7,000 monthly, up from the current typical RM4,000 [1, 3]. Anwar explained, "Under this new scheme, by working together to reduce repair, maintenance, servicing and financing costs, we expect drivers to earn between RM5,000 and RM7,000 a month, allowing drivers to live a more comfortable life" [3].
The government has reached an agreement with Proton and the Transport Ministry to create a dedicated financing scheme for taxi drivers to own the Proton S70, selected as the official new taxi model [1, 3, 4]. This replaces the long-standing leasing system, shifting ownership rights directly to drivers [3]. The Transport Ministry is also reviewing the taxi permit system to enable permits to be issued to drivers instead of companies or individuals, addressing a long-standing issue [1, 3].
Separately on July 4, Prime Minister Anwar officiated the SParK 2026 Business Transformation event where Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) announced a target to approve RM2.25 billion in financing between 2026 and 2030 under its R30 Strategic Framework to grow Bumiputera companies [5, 6, 7, 8]. The financing aims to improve commercial scalability, create quality jobs, and strengthen supply chains among Bumiputera entrepreneurs [5, 8].
PUNB also lowered financing rates for its Prosper Grow facility to as low as 3.5% per annum and introduced three new programs to improve access to financing and working capital [5, 7, 8]. Since 1991, PUNB has supported over 15,500 Entrepreneur Partners with total approved financing of RM5.15 billion [7, 8]. Anwar said, "They're doing well. If they do well, we will increase (financing approval). At the moment, PUNB is among the agencies implementing the priorities we have outlined, while working closely with other Bumiputera agencies" [7].
PUNB chairman Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa described SParK as a "transformation platform" reflecting the agency's commitment to making Bumiputera entrepreneurs more structured, competitive and capable of sustaining long-term growth [8]. The government is reviewing progress and may increase PUNB's financing allocation if performance remains strong.
