The government will pay civil servants the bonus of a half month's salary or minimum of RM500, and special aid of RM250 to government pensioners on Jan 15, earlier than scheduled.

Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said the move was made as the government was concerned and understood the situation, especially that faced by civil servants who were victims of the recent floods.

"The government hopes this (early bonus) payment can help ease the burden of those affected and prepare their children for the new school session," he said in a statement today.

Floods that hit some states since mid-December last year had forced thousands of residents to be evacuated, with those still housed at the relief centres currently numbering 41,421.

When tabling the Budget 2015 last October, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced that the bonus payment for civil servants would me made together with their January 2015 salary payment (Jan 22).

- Bernama

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