GEORGE TOWN, Nov 4 — A one-off payment of RM600 for e-hailing drivers in Penang will be disbursed in 2027, with applications opening in January 2027 through the i-Sejahtera system.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the application criteria for the Special E-Hailing Incentive Assistance would be announced next month.

“E-hailing services have become an important component of the urban transport system, supporting first- and last-mile connectivity while providing the public with flexible mobility services.

“In line with the Unity Manifesto that was announced, a payment of RM600 will be disbursed in 2027, with applications to be submitted through the i-Sejahtera system,” he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates (State Budget 2027) at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, when tabling the 2027 State Budget on Friday (Oct 30), announced that the state government would introduce a one-off Special E-Hailing Incentive Assistance of RM600 for eligible drivers, with an allocation ceiling of RM9 million.

In a separate development, Zairil said the state government had submitted an application to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for RM750 million in funding under the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund to implement the Communication Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity for Penang Smart City initiative.

He said the proposed initiative included the development of about 290 kilometres of fibre-optic network, mainly in Seberang Perai, the expansion of last-mile facilities and communication tower infrastructure and connectivity support for private 5G networks.

He said it would also involve the development of a Network Operations Centre (NOC), artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart asset monitoring and provision of high-speed public WiFi facilities to strengthen the state’s overall digital capabilities.

“As such, the state government hopes that MCMC will give due consideration to and subsequently approve this application for funding to enable the initiative to be implemented in Penang.

“Approval of the allocation will serve as a catalyst for the development of more integrated and resilient digital infrastructure, thus enhancing the state’s capacity to navigate technological advancements,” he added.

The State Legislative Assembly sitting will resume tomorrow. — Bernama