The branch chairman, Aminuddin Harun, said the payment can be made two months once. “The aid can go towards paying utility bills,” he was quoted as saying in the Sinar Harian newspaper.

On Friday, the government announced that households earning below RM3,000 a month would receive a cash payment of RM 1,200 (an increase of RM200); households with monthly income of RM3,000 to RM4,000 would receive RM900 (an increase of RM100); single persons earning below RM2,000 a month will receive RM450 (an increase of RM50).

The aid is paid in quarterly instalments.

Aminuddin said civil servants who earn below RM3,000 a month should receive priority. “Prepare a special allocation for this group. Let them enjoy a special bonus to appreciate their contribution made within respective departments,” he said.

“We understand most of the civil servants face high cost of living. Not all are paid well,” he was quoted as saying.

He also called for financial aid for employees made redundant under a Voluntary Separation Scheme or Mutual Separation Scheme.

Aminuddin urged the government to protect these workers from being sidelined. “Have a temporary special financial aid so that they can support their children to school while the parents look for a job,” he added.