CUEPACS Proposes Improvements to Malaysian Civil Servant Salary Structure

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) has put forth four key recommendations to the Malaysian government to enhance the new civil servant salary structure. The proposals include raising the minimum wage to RM1,800, initiating all service schemes at grade 19, increasing annual salary increments to RM180, and shortening the time for promotions from 13 years to 10-8-6 years.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that an announcement regarding a salary increment for civil servants is anticipated by the year end, acknowledging the outdated salary structure and the numerous demands for an increase. CUEPACS has urged the government to expedite the salary review process due to the economic strain faced by many civil servants, as the last review was conducted 12 years ago.

Why this matters: The proposed improvements to the civil service salary structure have far-reaching implications for the Malaysian economy and the well-being of a significant portion of the workforce. Addressing the long-standing issues of outdated salaries and economic strain faced by civil servants is vital for maintaining a motivated and efficient public service sector.

The Malaysian government is planning to announce improvements to the civil service salary structure, including efforts to increase the net income of civil servants, at the upcoming Labour Day gathering. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government is committed to enhancing the civil service salary structure through the Public Service Remuneration System Study (SSPA), taking into account the challenging economic conditions and global geopolitical uncertainties.

The government is considering the pressure of the cost of living, especially for low-income civil servants. CUEPACS had previously expressed that the current salary position of civil servants could not cover the burden of expenses due to the increase in the cost of living. The proposed improvements to the civil service remuneration were discussed in a meeting of the Public Service Remuneration Study Main Committee (JIKSPA) on April 20, 2024.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the government's commitment to addressing the civil service salary structure, stating, "The government is looking at ways to raise the salaries of civil servants, which have not been increased for a long time." The specific details of the proposed improvements are expected to be announced during the Labour Day gathering, as the government works towards enhancing the net income of civil servants while considering the challenging economic landscape.

Key Takeaways

• CUEPACS proposes raising minimum wage to RM1,800 for civil servants.
• PM Anwar to announce civil servant salary increment by year-end.
• Proposed improvements include higher annual increments and faster promotions.
• Last civil service salary review was 12 years ago, causing economic strain.
• Govt to unveil civil service remuneration improvements on Labour Day 2024.