Penang has announced a half-month’s pay or a minimum of RM600 as bonus for Hari Raya for state government staff.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng made the announcement today, saying the money would be paid out before Hari Raya.

Accompanying him were Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, state executive councillors Abdul Malik Kassim and Dr Afif Bahardin, and state financial officer Mokhtar Jait.

This follows the announcement by Selangor to give its civil servants a month’s salary, while Prime Minister Najib Razak also declared a RM500 bonus for the festive season.

“We will inform the exact date the money will be paid and number of civil servants who will be getting the money,” Lim told a press conference at Komtar.

Asked if this amount was lower than Selangor’s, Lim shot back, “Selangor no water, Penang has water.”

'Jelajah Sahur' convoy for the needy

Meanwhile, in the spirit of Ramadan, the Penang government launched its annual a "Jelajah Sahur" convoy to provide to food and other contributions to the needy in several locations on the island and mainland.

The convoy, to be trailed by cars and motorbikes, will be led by Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon, starting tomorrow night after solat tarawih at 11pm.

Rashid said the contributions will be distributed at police stations, fire and rescue stations, hospitals, religious schools, selected homes, mosques and suraus, village development and security committee halls (JKKK) and public areas.

In some locations, like Seberang Perai Utara, the programme is being be conducted for the first time, added Rashid.

"We will go to all the districts, from July 5 to 19, to distribute sahur food and Ramadan contributions. We will do the journeys by cars and will end up having sahur together at the locations," Rashid said at a press conference today.

"Contributions will be made to the poor, including non-Muslims, so we welcome everybody to come and join us in this programme," added the PKR Pantai Jerejak assemblyman.

"The purpose of this programme is also to encourage welfare and charity to those who are needy," he said.

Rashid will lead the sahur team starting at Masjid Jamek Batu Uban tomorrow, at the Seberang Perai Selatan district office on July 12, Masjid An Nur Titi Teras on July 14, Alor Merah JKKK Village in Sungai Dua on Jul 18 and Masjid Kubang Sembang on July 19.