ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 1 — Johor civil servants can look forward to extra money in their pockets before the year is out.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi today announced a special financial assistance of one month's salary or a minimum of RM1,000 to state civil servants as a token of appreciation.

He said the payments will be made twice, with the first at the end of this year and the final payment before Hari Raya Aidilfitri next year.

"The state government appreciates the contribution of our civil servants in successfully implementing the government policies.

They have worked hard to ensure that the people receive the maximum benefits from government policies.

"This special financial assistance will also be extended to all al-Quran dan Fardu Ain class teachers, rehabilitation centre workers in the community and Islamic kindergarten teachers.

"Hopefully this contribution will motivate civil servants to continue in providing excellent service," said Onn Hafiz when presenting the Johor Budget 2023 at the Johor state legislative assembly at the Sultan Ismail Building here.

The special financial assistance is expected to benefit more than 13,400 state civil servants in Johor. Earlier, Onn Hafiz presented a surplus budget of RM2.44 million for Johor, after two consecutive years of having deficit budgets in 2021 and 2022.