Incentives for civil servants announced by PM shows gov't is concerned - Cuepacs

PUTRAJAYA: Several incentives announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob for public servants today shows that the government remains concerned about public servants despite the country facing financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, says Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) president Datuk Adnan Mat.

"Thank you to the prime minister who understands the pulse of civil servants. Civil servants should be grateful to the government," he told reporters after attending the 18th Civil Service Premier Message Gathering (MAPPA XVIII) here today.

At the gathering, the Prime Minister at announced six incentives for civil servants, including an additional RM100 in their salary increment for next year, and the granting of Special Financial Assistance (BKK) in 2023.

The additional KGT of RM100 is for civil servants from Grade 11 to Grade 56 and will be paid from January 2023, involving a total of 1.28 million civil servants and a financial implication of RM1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, the BKK of RM700 will be for civil servants Grade 56 and below, and RM350 for government pensioners and non-pensionable veterans, which will also be paid in January 2023.

In a statement issued in conjunction with Ismail Sabri's announcement, Adnan said the incentives were a manifestation of the government's appreciation for civil servants who were at the forefront of putting the country back on a solid footing following various challenges.

"CUEPACS understands that the government has constraints from a financial point of view but still tries to listen and give the best to public servants in order to appreciate the contributions that they have made over the years.

"All the incentives announced by the government are at least able to provide relief to civil servants who are very much affected by the increase in the cost of living and rising inflation," he said.

He also described the commitment of the government led by Ismail Sabri to speed up the study on the Public Service Remuneration System by taking into account the various aspects of human capital, including compensation and services that were highly valued and sought after by CUEPACS and civil servants.

"This (study) should be fast-tracked, considering that the existing remuneration system that is currently in use has been implemented since 2002, and is no longer suitable in view of the current cost of living and economic environment," he said, adding that the main thing that should be looked at in the new remuneration system was to increase the minimum wage of civil servants to RM1,800 per month.

Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department deputy director general (operations) Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said the announcement of the government's initiative to improve the welfare of civil servants at various levels was a relief.

"We are very grateful because although we are aware that the country's economic position is not very strong, the government is concerned about what civil servants are experiencing at all levels," he said.

He said the department hoped that the study on the remuneration system would focus more on the safety aspects of firefighters.

"The duties (of a firefighter) are more challenging and this also involves life safety. The salary scheme and special allowance involving high-risk assignments, it is different from other offices and agencies, this is what we're fighting for at the department level," he said.

Klang Municipal Council staff Nasaruddin Hassan said he was happy with the various initiatives announced by the government including the additional KGT of RM100.

"It feels good, because to some extent, with the addition, it can ease the cost of living and boosts the morale of civil servants in carrying out their duties," he said.

-- BERNAMA