PENANG today announced a special financial assistance amounting to a half-month salary or a minimum of RM1,000 to 4,009 civil servants in the state.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, when tabling the 2021 State Budget in the state assembly today, said the bonus payment involves RM5.5 million and would be paid in December this year.

“The state government would like to express its appreciation and thanks to the state Health Department, the National Security Council and all security teams, such as the police, armed forces, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Force, People’s Volunteer Corps and all members of the federal service for their sacrifices as frontliners, to curb the spread of Covid-19 and help ensure stability, peace and public order,” he said.

He also expressed his appreciation for the services and sacrifices of civil servants, as the backbone of the state government, in the planning and implementation of state policies and development.

“The civil servants are the government’s implementation machinery. Without them the state governance will be hampered. The glorious achievements we have achieved so far will not be possible without their commitment and support.

“As such, as a token of appreciation for the strong support given by the civil servants for this year, the state government has agreed to approve this special assistance at the end of the year, which will be equivalent to their half-month or a minimum of RM1,000.

“It is hoped that the payment will further boost their spirit to provide a more excellent service in the coming years,” he said.

Chow also said payment of RM300 each will also be given to 1,587 Kafa supervisors and teachers, 606 religious school teacher and 590 teachers and staff of Chinese private schools.

“Payment of RM200 each will also be given to 320 tahfiz, pondok and Islamic kindergarten teachers this December and would involve an additional expenditure of RM898,900,” he added. – Bernama, October 12, 2020.