KUCHING: A total of 310 retirees from the Medical Department of Sarawak received their appreciation certificate during the Sarawak State Health Department ‘Majlis Jasamu Dikenang Tahun 2017 and 2018’ for their outstanding services and performance.
Speaking during the event, Minister for Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the government has always been concerned about the welfare of its employees, especially retirees, as several initiatives and improvements have been carried out by the government to benefit the retirees.
He added that among the latest improvements which have been announced by the government for retirees was the Cash Award in lieu of Accumulated Leave (Gantian Cuti Rehat) with a maximum of up to 150 days in the year of retirement starting January 1, 2018.
“Among others are the provision of drug and devices supplied by the Ministry of Health for retirees under the federal public service and pensioners as well as their qualified family members.
“The government has also increased the minimum pension rate from RM950 to RM1,000 for those who have served at least 25 years of eligible service years,” said Sim during the appreciation ceremony held at UCSI Hotel, Kuching Isthmus here yesterday.
He pointed out that government servants who were forced to retire early due to health reasons would also receive the same retirement benefits of the full service period.
He added that this included a one-off increase of the annual pension rate for 2018 (1%), special grant for the Retiree Association in 2018 and a fixed Haj quota for the government pensioners association.
“All of these initiatives show that the government is always concerned and committed to providing the best facilities to the retirees as a token of appreciation for their excellent contribution and services.
“On behalf of Sarawak State Health Department, I would like to thank all of you for all the good deeds, sacrifices and contributions given throughout your service with the department. It will always be treasured and kept as a golden memory and remembrance,” said Dr Sim.
Medical retirees in the year 2017 and 2018 comprised those who had served in the Southern region of Sarawak, from Kuching up to Sri Aman.
