The MyPSV programme recently launched by the Ministry of Transport through the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is expected to help those in the B40 or low-income bracket obtain vocational licences for public service vehicles or PSVs.

JPJ said in a statement that the programme aims to benefit 4,000 candidates, with 3,500 who are seeking PSVs for taxis or e-hailing vehicles and the remaining 500 applying PSVs for buses.

The programme is initiated through an allocation of RM2 million announced in the Belanjawan 2023.

It is among measures by the government to help the people, especially the B40 group.

"The allocation covers the cost of testing and training for candidates at a rate of RM2,590 for each PSV bus candidate and RM190 for each PSV e-hailing or taxi candidate," said JPJ.

"The programme is a government initiative to help the B40 improve their social economic status and household income through job opportunities in the gig sector."

Participation in the MyPSV programme is open to citizens aged 21 and above who have passed a health check.

Candidates must not be blacklisted by JPJ, the police or courts.

Applicants for PSV e-hailing or taxi vocational licences must have a Class D competent driving licence (CDL) are required to attend theory courses.

Those seeking the PSV bus and BTM vocational licences of over 7,500kg must have had a Class D CDL for at least one year or a Class E CDL. They must also attend vocational theory courses as well as training and practical tests on circuits and roads.

"This initiative will produce competent, safe and professional drivers to meet the needs of drivers in the public transport sector," JPJ said.

JPJ will coordinate the list of aid recipients for driving institutes and e-hailing operators in collaboration with bus operator associations and the other agencies involved.

Further information on other initiatives under Belanjawan 2023 that the people can benefit from is available at https://belanjawan.mof.gov.my/manfaat.