200 1Malaysia taxis to hit streets end of month

A total of 200 units of Proton Exora MPVs produced as taxis under the 1Malaysia People's Taxi (Teks1M) initiative will start operations at the end of the month.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said currently 85 units of the vehicles produced by Proton Holdings Bhd had been approved and would be handed over to taxi drivers shortly.

From the 200 units issued for the first group of taxi drivers by Proton, 85 units were already owned and SPAD was confident the remaining taxis will start operations at the end of the month, he told reporters after attending a briefing on Teksi1M inspection at Puspakom here today.

Teksi1m is an initiative implemented by the government with the cooperation of SPAD and Proton in which taxi drivers could enjoy a special package including the price of the vehicle with sales tax and customs exemption.

Apart from not having to pay for the deposit, the loan is provided at two per cent interest rate by Bank Simpanan Nasional with maintenance package at market price and comprehensive insurance coverage for the first year.

Syed Hamid said Teksi1M met the standards set by Puspakom and does not only look friendly but will provide a comfortable ride for passengers.