Special payment RM500 can ease burden of civil servants, pensioners - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes the RM500 special payment to civil servants and pensioners would ease their burden, especially those who have school-going children.

"Insya-Allah, the government will pay RM500 to 1.6 million civil servants in service and RM250 to pensioners tomorrow as announced in the 2016 Budget," he said in his Facebook and twitter account.

A Public Service Department (PSD) circular today said the special payment would be given to all civil servants who served in 2015.

On condition the employee had served at least 30 consecutive days, including all types of leave with fully and partially paid leave, weekly rest days, weekly holidays and public holidays from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2015." Civil servants appointed permanently, temporary, contract of service, interim teachers and those who went on half pay leave are eligible for the special payment said PSD.

It involves an allocation of RM645 million as announced by Najib in the 2016 Budget tabled on Oct 23, last year.

Meanwhile, Najib in his blog NajibRazak.com offered his best wishes to children who will be going to school tomorrow as the 2016 school session starts.

"Insya-Allah, tomorrow children will start school after a long holiday. Some will be impatient, especially those going to Form One as they are set to encounter a new environment and friends," he said.

Parents who are sending their children to school for the first time will also be excited and proud.

The Prime Minister also wished all teachers well and praised their contributions to the country by educating future leaders of the country.

"To children, before stepping into the school, seek the blessing of your parents by kissing their hand. The blessing from parents is important before starting anything," he said.