Penang gives newlyweds RM500, e-hailing drivers RM600 in 2027

Penang Budget 2027 puts cash in the hands of newlyweds, e-hailing drivers and state civil servants. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow tabled it on Friday 30 October.

The state plans to spend RM1.074 billion. It expects a record-low deficit of RM5.62 million, Chow told the State Assembly. Federal Budget 2027 aid is separate from these state payments.

Here is who gets what, when it is paid and what stays the same.

The new cash payments

First, newlyweds. Eligible couples newly married in Penang get a one-off RM500 from 2027. Chow said it falls under the Mempelai Emas programme.

The payment sits under i-Sejahtera. The reports do not say who is eligible, so couples should wait for the rules.

Next, e-hailing drivers. Eligible drivers will get a one-off RM600 next year, with a ceiling of RM9 million, Bernama reported.

Taxi drivers and school bus operators and drivers will share RM1.2 million in incentives. The state also set aside RM16.8 million for public bus subsidies.

Next, the civil service. State civil servants will get a Special Financial Aid equal to one month’s salary in December 2026.

Also, teachers and staff at several religious and private schools get a one-off RM300. They include KAFA supervisors, tahfiz teachers and staff of Chinese private schools.

The aid for civil servants and the RM300 payments cost RM16.207 million. They reach 7,292 people.

The e-hailing payment is for next year, so drivers should watch for the sign-up details.

Aid and spending that carry on

Penang Budget 2027 keeps i-Sejahtera at RM58 million. The state had paid RM57.8 million to 299,504 people by 30 September.

Those people include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, single mothers and housewives.

Also, the Penang State Social Development Fund is new in 2027, with RM350,000.

Then there is other spending. Flood mitigation gets RM16.45 million, and agriculture gets RM6.5 million.

Next, sports gets RM7.15 million for athletes. Then RM15 million goes to preparations for the SEA Games.

Also, the 50% quit rent rebate carries on in 2027, subject to the relevant conditions. The Penang Women’s Development Corporation gets RM2.1 million.

At least RM5 million is set aside for non-Muslim houses of worship. Three mosques under construction cost RM14 million in total.

The budget in numbers

The state expects RM1.069 billion in revenue in 2027. That is up RM800,000 on 2026.

However, development spending falls by RM38.4 million, or 12.1%, to RM280.17 million. The list has 514 projects.

This year’s deficit is now projected at RM19.92 million. So the 2027 figure is much lower.

Meanwhile, the state had collected RM847.53 million by 30 October. That is 79.35% of its 2026 target.

However, last year was stronger. Revenue was RM1.26 billion, with a surplus of RM366.93 million.

Chow named transport as a priority. It includes land for the light rail line, the Airport Link Road and the route to Silicon Island.

Meanwhile, the state’s tech finance push continues. For example, the Penang Technology Finance Centre now eyes a one-year timeline.

In short, most new money in Penang Budget 2027 goes out in December or next year. So watch for the rules.

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