MIRI: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has confirmed that Sarawak is contemplating a pay rise for its civil servants.
However, any official announcement will hinge on the specifics of the federal government’s plans, which will be detailed in the upcoming Budget 2025.
Dr Sim revealed that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is keen on adjusting the pay scales for state civil servants but is exercising caution to avoid discrepancies with federal civil service salaries.
“The Premier has expressed his intention to announce a pay rise soon, but it is essential to ensure that our adjustments neither fall short of nor exceed federal standards,” Dr Sim said.
This caution stems from a recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on May 1, which indicated a minimum 13 per cent pay rise for federal civil servants.
Subsequent statements suggested the increase could be even higher. Given these developments, Sarawak is awaiting detailed guidelines from the federal government before finalising its own plans.
Dr Sim said Abang Johari has been proactive in seeking information about the federal pay adjustments.
“Despite his efforts, no comprehensive details have been provided, and the official stance from the federal government is to wait until the Budget 2025 is tabled,” Dr Sim added.
Dr Sim, who is the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, was talking to the media after attending the flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with the city’s 19th anniversary celebration at Miri City Hall at Marina Park.
Addressing concerns about whether the potential pay rise would extend to Village Development and Security Committee (KMKK) leaders and elected representatives (YBs), Dr Sim clarified that these groups are not considered part of the civil service and therefore would not be included in the pay adjustments.
He also hinted that the state government aims to ensure the pay rise for Sarawak’s civil servants is competitive, ideally surpassing the federal increase.
“The state government is evaluating the potential pay rise to ensure it offers better value compared to the federal civil service,” Dr Sim said.
As the Budget 2025 announcement looms, Sarawak’s civil servants and other stakeholders are poised to see how these fiscal policies will unfold, with the state government’s next steps closely tied to federal directives.
Also present were Deputy Ministers for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil and Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad and acting city secretary Abdul Rahman Taupek.
