PM tells poor Malaysians to be Uber drivers

KUALA LUMPUR - More Malaysians, especially those in the B40 (Bottom 40) income group, should be Uber drivers, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

He recommended Malaysians who had their own vehicles to get into the ride-sharing service to earn extra income.

"To assist the B40 group, especially BR1M (Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia) recipients, to generate additional income, the government will encourage their participation as ride-sharing drivers such as Uber drivers, particularly those who own vehicles," he said while tabling the 2017 Budget at Parliament today.

Najib explained that Malaysians with full-time jobs are able to make up to RM1,500 extra a month by being part-time drivers.

"Their income could reach up to RM1,500 per month for part time drivers working between 10 to 40 hours per week and RM4,300 if more than 40 hours per week," he said.

"To those who do not own a vehicle, down payment will be made using BR1M and a rebate of RM4,000 will be provided for the purchase of Proton Iriz," Najib added.