KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 8 -- The one-off RM1,000 Special Financial Assistance under Budget 2027 has come as a relief to taxi drivers in Sabah, whose daily earnings have dwindled amid growing competition from other modes of transport.

Azizarjan Japar, 43, a mother of four, said competition from newer transport services had left many conventional taxi drivers going entire days without picking up a single passenger.

The assistance would therefore go a long way in helping them cope with their daily expenses.

Having worked as a taxi driver for more than 10 years, she hoped the authorities would continue to strengthen the service to ensure it remained relevant in the state's transport network.

She said the cash assistance would also provide som...