With the government doing all they can to fight the pandemic, it is understandable that they need a little bit more fund for the cause.

And it looks like they've found a source of 'income' for the special fund.

Millions of ringgit saved

Civil servants will have their allowances cut so that the money can be channelled to a special COVID-19 fund, The Star Online reported.

The Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali told the news portal that the deductions will be made from the fixed entertainment allowance (ITK) and the civil service fixed allowance (ITKA).

He said that the deduction will affect 800,000 civil servants from Grade 29 and above.

The deductions will be made for three months, and the collection from that will total to RM30 million, Mohd Zuki said.

And don't worry; frontliners and civil servants from grade 1 to 28 will not have their allowances deducted, so you can put down your pitchforks.

Different rate based on grades

Zuki said the rate of the ITK deduction for the Jusa A category is 50 per cent, the Jusa B category is 20 per cent, while for the Jusa C category is 10 per cent.

Those from Grades 44 to 56 will get a five per cent deduction, while those from Grade 29 to 41 will get a RM10 deduction from ITKA.

“We understand that civil servants especially are the backbone of the government in its efforts to balance lives and livelihoods.

"These contributions are a show of togetherness from the civil service in supporting the government’s efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic," he was quoted as saying.

We appreciate whatever help we can get during this difficult time. Let’s all help each other in this fight against COVID-19!