KUCHING: A great number of civil servants have expressed their satisfaction with the announcement of a 13 per cent salary increase starting December this year.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the National Labour Day 2024 celebration.
He revealed that civil servants will enjoy the highest salary hike in the nation’s history.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said that under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) being revised, the government will ensure that the minimum income for civil servants exceeds RM2,000 per month.
“Currently, the overall minimum income, which includes salary and fixed allowances, is RM1,795 per month,” he said.
New Sarawak Tribune recently gathered comments from civil servants and the public on the salary hike.
Sufian Shapiei, 53-year-old, School Principal
Sufian expressed his gratitude and happiness because the salary increase can help alleviate living expenses.
“This can help improve the quality of working and increase economic stability by encouraging spending to generate national income. It is also supporting efforts for affordable housing for civil servants in many ways.”
He added that can help to support the health quality and job satisfaction while reducing debt burden for the civil servants.
Mohd Arfizy Safian, 38-year-old, Teacher
Arfizy stated that this good news brings relief to them and comes at a time when they are burdened by living expenses.
“Thank you to PMX for feeling the pulse of the majority of the people. Surely, what has been announced serves as motivation for us as educators to strive even harder in educating the nation’s youth.”
Nuraini Abdullah, 46-year-old, Dormitory supervisor
She pointed out that it has been a while since the civil servants felt the salary increase in the public sector.
“With this salary increase, it can ease the burden of daily expenses, especially since all prices of goods are increasing. I feel grateful and thankful to the Prime Minister for listening to the voices of civil servants.”
Rinai Selutan, 53-year-old, Teacher
Rinai said that she was grateful and happy with the announcement, especially considering the rising cost of living.
“This is due to the increase in prices of goods. With the 13 per cent salary increase, it can at least alleviate the financial burden we face.”
Elam Bangkong, 43-year-old, Lab Assistant
Elam said that as a civil servant she felt grateful because they increased the salary more than 13% compared to before this.
“This can alleviate the burden due to the increase in prices of goods and service tax.”
She also added that economically, this is a positive development as the country’s economy grows when prices increase.
“But it needs to align with people’s purchasing power. Therefore, increasing civil servants’ salaries is a good idea. They will spend, and that money will certainly flow to stimulate local economic development as well.”
