The transport minister said the allocation would benefit more than 30,000 people, compared with only 9,000 individuals this year.

“We plan to apply for more funds next year that would be double or triple (this year’s allocation of RM2.7 million), possibly RM10 million.

“This initiative coincides with the government’s efforts to educate the public on the awareness of compliance with road regulations and the culture of road safety among youths,” he told reporters after attending the handing over of the driver’s licence under the state-level MyLesen B2 initiative here.

At the ceremony, a total of 293 individuals from 12 driving schools in the Penang Barat Daya district received their motorcycle licences.

Loke said the MyLesen B2 programme was also a commitment and effort by the unity government to assist the B40 group improve their socio-economic status and household income through opportunities in the gig economy sector.

He added that the programme was also aimed at producing competent motor vehicle drivers.

“The effort is also driven by the government’s intention to constantly intensify road safety advocacy and enforcement activities to reduce accident rates in line with the United Nations resolution to cut road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030,” he said.