Some 860,000 civil servants in the Support Group, who make up almost 60 percent of the civil service, will receive a RM500 special cash assistance, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced today.

The money will be paid in two instalments of RM250 each, the first before Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the second in December.

"The decision (on the aid) was made after taking into account the welfare of civil servants in this group, and particularly to ease the burden of cost in preparing for the festive period and to prepare for the new school term at the end of this year," he said in a statement.

Najib said the financial implication of the payment on the government would amount to RM430 million.

- Bernama