KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Civil servants have lauded the government’s announcement to provide the special Hari Raya Aidilfitri financial assistance of RM500, describing the move as a meaningful relief ahead of the Aidilfitri celebrations.
Primary school teacher Mohammed Nor Syukri Saadan, 32, said the highly anticipated financial aid could help to ease their burden in preparing for Hari Raya, especially amid the current economic situation.
“I am grateful for this assistance as it allows me to help my family with Aidilfitri preparations such as buying new clothes and household necessities,” he told Bernama today.
A 26-year-old administrative assistant at the Prime Minister’s Department, Nur Hazwani Nordin, said the special Aidilfitri financial assistance comes as a great relief, adding that as a single woman, the RM500 aid is sufficient to be used during the festive season.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government has agreed to provide RM500 financial assistance to civil servants in Grade 56 and below and RM250 to all government retirees, with payments to be made on Monday (March 24).
Religious teacher Mohd Zamri Adom described the assistance as proof of the government’s concern for civil servants under Anwar's administration.
“I hope that this bonus will be continued to be provided and increased annually as a gesture of Prime Minister Anwar’s commitment to civil servants,” he said.
The Finance Ministry said the special assistance involves a financial implication of nearly RM900 million.
The special Aidilfitri financial assistance will benefit more than two million civil servants and pensioners.
— Bernama
