KUALA LUMPUR – Civil servants are hoping for the government to announce a salary hike next year, amidst concerns over the rising cost of living.
Their aspirations have boosted after Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil hinted at good news for them last week, which most likely would involve a salary increase, which will also include pensioners as beneficiaries, among others.
The announcement, Fahmi said, will be made either by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali.
Civil servants who spoke to Scoop this week shared their expectations on the possible good news.
Wangsa Maju police chief Ashari Abu Samah said he expects the government to provide salary increases, allowances and better welfare to civil servants.
He said this especially applies to those working in urban areas as the present cost of living is “very high” especially in the capital city, here.
“I chose to work as a civil servant because of the guaranteed future (job security and pension) and being able to serve the community and the country even though the salary received is relatively low.
“I have served approximately 23 years in public service. So far, I am satisfied with the salary received.
“Alhamdulillah, I feel very happy, moved and grateful for the Madani government’s concern for civil servants,” he told Scoop when contacted, recently.
Meanwhile, a school teacher who only wants to be known as Saiful expressed hope that the government would provide more support for the M40 income group as the majority of civil servants fall under the category.
At present, the M40 group, he claimed, are ineligible for assistance of any form.
“Salary is not my main purpose of working with the government. Regarding salary, I am satisfied because I am aware that there are still many sectors where the salary is lower than education.
“In terms of comfort, with the current economic situation, it is indeed paycheck to paycheck with no room for minimal savings,” he said.
Saiful said since entering government service in 2015, his salary only matched his previous salary working in the private sector after five years in the civil service.
Despite the drawback, Saiful insists he had no regrets entering the civil service, especially the public education sector as it is driven by interest and passion.
However, he hoped that the anticipated salary increase would be in line with the goods’ price increase rate.
“Honestly, I am happy (with the news) but not very hopeful.
“I do not expect any significant increase but am thankful for the increase.
“I just hope it helps a little in increasing expenses,” he added.
On December 4, Fahmi had said his ministry hopes to provide private-sector workers with better income as their progressive wage policy white paper has been approved.
He also disagreed with claims of civil servants’ service being slow and inefficient, pointing out that budget constraints, upgrades, time and system limitations may cause issues to develop.
“I don’t entirely agree with that. Civil servants are part of the government, the entire machinery, so they will support themselves.
“We, as ministers and deputies, need to spend a bit of time to understand where efficiencies can be done, what interventions need to be made to help,” he was quoted as saying. – December 10, 2023