Two companies and a local businessperson became the latest big donors to the government’s Hope Fund, as they handed over a total of RM3 million to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng today.

As Lim explained, the amount already collected in the Hope Fund stood at over RM27 million – just five days after its launch – before the large sums received today.  

"It will hit more than RM30 million after these donations are banked in.

"We have been criticised for collecting donations, while spending RM30 million on the 2018 World Cup live telecast on RTM.

"I would like to say we already have sponsors for the RM30 million," he said.

Read more: Sponsors fully footing RM30m bill for World Cup, says Guan Eng

The cheques were handed over to Lim in Komtar today, in the presence of new Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

RM1 million each came from Ewein Bhd, represented by group managing director SK Ewe, and Magni-Tech Industries, represented by it executive chairperson Tan Kok Ping.

Tan, the former Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce chairperson, also donated another RM1 million from his own pocket.

During the press conference that followed, Chow said that the state government had received responses and questions on how they could donate to the Hope Fund.

"Two nights ago there were two NGOs who wanted to donate RM50,000 to the fund.

"Therefore, we are announcing the RM3 million from Ewein, Magni-Tech and Tan, who each donated RM1 million," he added.