Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that financial aid of RM300 will also be provided to the management and teachers of Islamic religious schools, along with teachers and staff of private Chinese schools in Penang.

He said the special aid is aimed at easing the financial strain of state public servants, particularly as they prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year.

“The financial aid will be disbursed on March 15 and is estimated to involve a total allocation of RM7.44 million by the state government,” said Chow in a statement.

“This special financial aid is extended to local authorities, statutory bodies and subsidiaries of the state government, subject to their financial capability,” he added.

Previously, the Social Protection Contributors Advisory Association Malaysia urged the government to make it mandatory for all employers to provide at least one month’s salary as festival aid.

The group’s president, J Solomon, said last year, the Selangor government provided a month’s salary as festival aid to its employees to address the rising cost of living, especially for those who fall within the B40 and M40 income groups.

“After sustained advocacy by the National Union of Bank Employees, banks also provided similar aid to their employees in 2023.

“However, this year’s retraction of this support by the banks, despite prior agreements, is both surprising and disconcerting,” he said.

Business groups have objected to the proposal for a mandatory one-month bonus as festival aid, warning that such a move would place a significant financial burden on employers.