It is to also ensure businesses continue operations during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hoped the “Penangite Aid Package” would help cushion the impact felt during the movement control order period, adding that it would benefit about 410,000 people in the state.

“We had earlier pledged RM20 million for the aid package, but after eight days of the MCO, we have decided to approve another RM55 million.

“Our main targets are the vulnerable groups, which are the hawkers, small-time businesses, taxi drivers, rickshaw owners, e-hailing drivers, those on welfare aid and the B40 (low-income group),” he said at a press conference in Komtar today.

Among the highlights of the state stimulus package are a RM500 one-off aid to those tested positive for Covid-19 while families of those succumbing to the virus will receive RM1,000.

Frontliners from the police, state health department, locally deployed military, immigration, civil defence, city councils and Rela will receive RM300 in one-off aid each, as will 10,000 e-hailing drivers.

All 40 state assemblymen, including the opposition members, will receive an additional RM30,000 in emergency fund allocation to be spent on community needs during this period.

All mosques will also receive RM1,000 in aid, with suraus receiving RM500 to cover maintenance and clean-up costs.

Rental for state government flats will be waived for the months of April and May.

Payment of land-related tax dues such as parcel rent and quit rent have been deferred from May 31 to Aug 30.

A one-off RM500 handout will also be given to small-time businesses and Welfare Department aid recipients.

A micro-loan scheme for small and medium enterprises of up to RM10,000 will be offered without interest, with a six-month repayment schedule.

Taxi drivers and trishaw owners will get an additional RM200 on top of the annual RM300 they receive from the state. Registered tour guides with the tourism ministry will get RM500 each.

The details are at: penanglawancovid19.com.