In a Bernama report, Sabah finance minister Masidi Manjun said the decision was reached at the state Cabinet meeting today.

“This is in line with the state government’s desire to ensure the wellbeing of state civil servants, as well as to express our appreciation for their contributions,” he said.

Masidi said the state government hopes the aid will motivate state civil servants to work harder and improve their delivery of public services.

Earlier today, Johor announced a special Hari Raya bonus of RM1,000 for 20,821 state civil servants, including local council and state agency employees.

Selangor, Penang, and Perak are among the other states which have announced similar aid packages for their civil servants in conjunction with Hari Raya.

Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that civil servants from Grade 15 and below under the public service remuneration system, as well as Grade 56 and below under the previous remuneration scheme, will be given RM500 in special Hari Raya aid.

Anwar also said government retirees would get RM250 in special cash aid. The initiative will cost the government about RM900 million.

The first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on March 31 while Kaamatan is a month-long harvest celebration which kicks off on May 30.