CIVIL servants with a good service record will be rewarded with a RM2,000 bonus by year-end, the Penang government announced at the tabling of the state budget today.

The bonus will be made to all outstanding civil servants in the state administration, local councils, state corporations and agencies.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, when tabling the 2018 state budget at the legislative assembly, said the bonus will be paid out by year-end.

“We won’t wait until next year to pay the bonus, like the federal government that has no money (to pay within the year). 

“They don’t know how to manage money. Learn how to manage finances to pay within the year,” he said, taking a jibe at Putrajaya. 

Prime Minister Najib Razak, in his Budget 2018 announcement last Friday, said federal civil servants will receive a bonus of RM1,500 – RM1,000 to be paid in January and the rest before Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

Lim also announced that the annual cash aid for senior citizens aged 60 and above and persons with special needs (OKU) will be increased by 30% beginning next year. 

He said the increase was made after feedback from the people. 

“The RM100 handout under the senior citizens appreciation programme was the first anti-corruption dividend introduced by the state. 

“Up to November 1, we have distributed close to RM20 million to 193,823 senior citizens. The increased aid will see an allocation increase of RM6 million.”

The 30% increase in aid for OKU will benefit 10,478 recipients. 

Lim also announced RM300 bonus for Islamic school, Kafa and private Chinese school teachers. 

Those teaching at tahfiz schools, sekolah pondok and Islamic kindergartens will receive a RM200 bonus each. – November 2, 2017.