KUCHING: For the first time, the Sarawak government will give special incentives to media personnel and retired state civil servants.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said a RM700 incentive will be given to private media practitioners registered as of Dec 1 with six media associations in Sarawak.
"The contributions and sacrifices of the media profession in delivering news have a big impact on Sarawak's socioeconomic development," he said in his winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Dec 3).
Abang Johari also announced a one-off special payment of RM500 to state civil service pensioners, with a total allocation of RM50mil.
"This is the first time we are giving financial assistance to pensioners in appreciation of their contributions to the state government," he said.
In addition, the Premier announced a bonus of two months' salary for state civil servants in appreciation of their work and commitment to carrying out government policies and development programmes.
"Their dedication and sincerity are the foundation for the success of our development programmes," he said.
The bonus is estimated to involve RM131mil and will be paid this month.
Abang Johari also said federal civil servants in Sarawak will receive a one-off special payment of RM700.
He said this would involve RM98mil and be paid in the first quarter of 2026.
"We hope this incentive will spur the civil service to provide improved service delivery to the people," he added.
