The government is engaging taxi drivers nationwide to help disseminate government policies to the people, Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim said today.

He said taxi drivers had direct contact with the society in their daily activities.

rais yatim pc 020709 02 "We at the ministry feel that the time has come for taxi drivers, who comprise a large number, to help promote government campaigns such as the inculcation of noble values, 1Malaysia and the promotion of the national language," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching a 1Malaysia programme in collaboration with the Segamat Taxi-Limousine and Rented Car Drivers and Operators Association of Malaysia (Petekma) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tenang Stesen, Labis today.

He also said that by being courteous, taxi drivers would be able to portray a positive image about their service.

Donation to repair house

Rais later visited the house of single mother Jamiah Jopri in Kampung Tenang, near here, and handed over donation to repair her house.

Jamiah, 59, who lives with her epileptic daughter, received RM5,000 to repair the roof, toilet and walls.

"I'm grateful for the assistance," she said, "I don't know what else to say except to thank Datuk."

At the brief ceremony attended by about 100 villagers, Rais told them to be wary of issues played up by certain parties, which he said could undermine the country.

- Bernama