Property developers Aspen Group and Ideal Property Group donated RM1 million each, while Lumson Bina Engineering and Unimech Group Berhad gave RM200,000 and RM300,000 respectively.

The cheques were handed over by the companies’ bosses to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who accepted them on behalf of the finance ministry at a ceremony at Komtar today.

Chow thanked the corporate sector for showing they cared about the country’s debt problem.

“Although the donations might not resolve the country’s debts at a speed that we would like, the patriotic spirit of Malaysians prevails and has united all of us,” he said.

Aspen Group’s president and group chief executive M Murly said its RM1 million donation was part of its responsibility as “proud Malaysian corporate citizens”.

“We will stand together with the government in this time of need. We hope with this little gesture, we can help the government make Malaysia great again.

“We believe the market outlook will remain positive and the economy will strongly rebound with the strategic moves made by our prime minister,” he said.

Yesterday, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V also said he would cut his salary and emolument payments by 10% until the end of his term in 2021. He said he was concerned with the debt and economic situation of the country.

The King said he appreciated the efforts of Malaysians who had donated to Tabung Harapan.

In line with this, the King has decided against hosting the annual Hari Raya open house at Istana Negara this year.