A TOTAL of 293 upper secondary school students from 12 schools in the southwest district received their B2 class motorcycle licences from the Transport Ministry today.
The MyLesen B2 programme was introduced to assist the B40 family in obtaining B2 class motorcycle licences.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was present during the licence handover ceremony in Balik Pulau this morning, lauded the programme which was launched at Sungai Petani, Kedah, in May this year.
He said the programme by the Federal Government was significantly important to ensure assistance was given to needy families.
“This initiative will greatly reduce the burden faced by the B40 group, especially in getting B2 class motorcycle licences.
“We (Federal Government) are committed to increasing their socio-economic livelihoods and providing employment.
“RM2.7 million has been allocated for the programme which will benefit 9,000 people from the B40 families. I will also discuss further with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to increase the allocation.
“It will benefit 18,000 teenagers if another RM2.7 million is added, while 30,000 teenagers can receive their licences if another RM10 million is allocated,” Loke said in his speech.
Loke also advised the youths to be safe on the road.
“The Transport Ministry will cooperate with the Royal Malaysia Police to curb illegal racing nationwide.
“We won’t take this issue lightly as reckless riding will endanger the lives of other motorists,” he added.
Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was pleased with the Transport Ministry’s effort in assisting the B40 group.
“Under the MyLesen B2 programme, the cost of taking tests is all borne by the Federal Government.
“For today’s programme, there are a total of 293 recipients. They were selected based on their records in the e-Kasih aid programme, Welfare Department, and other types of assistance that have been rendered to them.
“A similar programme will be held in Seberang Perai in the future,” he said.
Chow added that closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) with a video analytic function have been installed to increase public safety in the state.
“Apart from the safety of motorists and motorcyclists, we also care about the safety of pedestrians,” he said.
Chow concurred with Loke, adding that the illegal racing issues should be looked into seriously.
Also present were caretaker Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, caretaker state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, caretaker state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, and former Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi