SHAH ALAM - The government should give due consideration to adjusting the starting salary scheme for Constable (YA1) police officers in line with the minimum wage of RM1,500 per month in the upcoming 2024 Budget.
Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the current starting salary of RM1,441 is very low, especially considering the rising cost of living, which burdens those serving in urban areas.
"A reasonable salary increase should be made, at the very least in line with the minimum wage, as their duty is crucial for maintaining the country's security and should be rewarded fairly.
"I have been raising this issue as a representative of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for a long time because, when compared to our neighbouring country, Singapore, the police salaries are significantly higher.
"For the sake of justice and their well-being, this increase is highly necessary," he said when contacted by Sinar today.
The police force yesterday proposed to the government that it look into this issue because the salaries of low-ranking police officers are below the minimum wage.
Apart from adjusting the salary scale, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has also put forth several suggestions, especially to enhance the force's integrity.
In addition, Lee also supported the proposal for a 30 per cent increase in the annual salary adjustment rate (KGT) and a one-off KGT increase for the professional management group of senior police officers, namely from YA13 to YA24A.
"I hope this matter will also be considered by the Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in the upcoming budget presentation, as our national police force has been waiting for this for a long time," he added.