The New Proton S70 'Teksi Madani' Plan Finally Lets Drivers OWN Their Cabs (And Boost Their Income)

For years, the phrase "taxi driver" in Malaysia was often synonymous with the "leasing model", a system where drivers paid daily rentals to permit holders just to put bread on the table. But today, the landscape of our public transport industry has officially changed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the Teksi Madani programme at Dataran Merdeka, signaling a definitive end to the era of "Permit Kings" and a new beginning for the taxi community.

The Death of the Leasing Era

At the heart of this reform is a bold shift: outright vehicle ownership.

Under the new financing model, supported by a special approval from the Finance Ministry, drivers are now the legal owners of their vehicles from day one.

They are no longer renting; they are building equity. Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized that this is not a rehashing of old schemes. Whether financed through a bank or institution, the car belongs to the driver, not a third-party permit holder.

Meet the New 'Office': The Proton S70

It’s not just the business model that’s getting a makeover; the machines are, too. The Proton S70 (Premium variant) has been officially selected as the new face of the Teksi Madani fleet.

Visually, you might have to look twice to spot them. These aren't the taxis of the past. There are no traditional roof-mounted "toppers." Instead, the S70 features sleek LED displays on the windscreen and rear glass, switching dynamically between "Teksi" and "E-hailing."

They are also identifiable by their unique 'GET' registration plates, standing for Gabungan E-hailing dan Teksi.

How Drivers Will Actually Earn More

The government has backed this transition with a serious package of support:

• Matching Grants: A RM10 million pool providing up to RM4,000 in trade-in support (RM2k from Proton + RM2k from the Government).
• Tax Exemptions: The new taxis are exempt from excise and sales tax.
• New Revenue Streams: The cabin now features a digital screen that acts as both a taximeter and a dedicated advertising space, providing drivers with passive income throughout their shift.
• Operational Flexibility: These vehicles are not just for work; they are permitted for personal use, giving drivers more utility out of their asset.

As Anthony Loke noted, this is a strategic move to modernize the industry. By integrating digital booking systems and modern, fuel-efficient vehicles, the Teksi Madani programme aims to make taxi driving a competitive and sustainable career path once again.