GEORGE TOWN – The state government has announced a bonus provision of RM5.5 million for the civil service as a show of gratitude during the Covid-19 pandemic and to alleviate their cost of living.
The bonus payment for each of them amounts to half a month’s salary or a minimum of RM1,000, and distributed to 4,009 civil servants by year end.
The announcement was made by chief minister Chow Kon Yeow when presenting the state budget at the assembly sitting today.
“The achievements that we have attained will not be possible without their firm commitment and support.”
He said the state government has approved the payment of RM300 each to 1,587 supervisors and teachers of Fardu Ain Religious Class (Kafa), 343 teachers of religious primary schools, 263 teachers of religious secondary schools, and 590 teachers and staff members of Chinese vernacular private schools.
“RM200 will also be given to each 320 tahfiz teachers, pondok teachers and Islamic kindergarten teachers (Tadis).
“All the payments will be paid this December involving additional allocation of RM898,900.”
He said Penang’s economy, which was expected to grow rapidly this year, has contracted since April as a result of the pandemic.
He added a Penang Institute study estimated the state’s unemployment rate has exceeded 3% compared to 2% in 2019 and 2.2% in 2018.
“The retrenchment trend following the spread of Covid-19, especially hospitality services, wholesale trade, retail sales, tourism and real estate have contributed significantly to the unemployment rate.”
To address this, Chow said the state government had approved the Penang People’s Aid Package.
He said Phase 1 with an allocation of RM75 million started a week after the implementation of movement control order while Phase 2.0 started in May with an allocation of RM76 million.
“Concerned with the people’s grievances, Phase 2.1 with an additional allocation of RM4.5 million was approved in August, making the overall aid allocation at RM155.5 million.” – The Vibes, October 12, 2020
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