GEORGE TOWN: Penang civil servants will receive special financial assistance equivalent to one month’s salary in December, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the payment was a token of appreciation for their commitment and dedication to ensuring the smooth administration and development of the state.
Chow also announced a one-off payment of RM300 each for teachers and staff of several religious and private educational institutions in Penang.
Eligible recipients include supervisors and teachers of Al-Quran and Fardu Ain classes, teachers and staff of people’s religious primary and secondary schools, and government-aided religious schools.
The assistance will also cover teachers at tahfiz centres, pondok institutions and Islamic kindergartens, as well as teachers and staff of Chinese private schools.
Chow said the two financial assistance initiatives would benefit 7,292 recipients, involving a total allocation of RM16.207mil.
Tabling the Penang Budget 2027 at the state assembly yesterday, Chow said the state had projected a budget deficit of RM5.62mil for next year, its smallest in recent years.
Penang, he said, is expected to collect RM1.069bil in revenue against an estimated expenditure of RM1.074bil.
Themed “Making the Vision People-Centred, Forging a Legacy”, he said the budget will focus on economic growth, infrastructure, talent development, public well-being and good governance.
“We will continue to drive quality investments, strengthen economic competitiveness and create more high-value employment opportunities so that the benefits of development can be enjoyed comprehensively and equitably,” he said.
The state’s Consolidated Revenue Account balance had risen to RM651.28mil as of Thursday.
Previously, the balance had fallen from a peak of RM1.15bil in 2019 to about RM155.94mil at the end of 2024, prompting criticism and debate over the state’s financial health.
Between January and Oct 30 this year, the state collected RM847.53mil in revenue, representing 79.35% of its annual target.
“The state government will continue to monitor revenue collection and step up follow-up action with collecting departments to ensure the 2026 revenue target of RM1.068bil can be achieved,” he said.
Chow also announced a new initiative, the Mempelai Emas Programme, which will provide newlyweds in Penang with a one-off cash assistance of RM500 from next year.
He said the state will also maintain its RM58mil allocation for the i-Sejahtera welfare programme next year.
Chow added that as of Sept 30, the state had disbursed RM57.8mil under the first two phases of i-Sejahtera this year, benefiting 299,504 recipients, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers and housewives.
