GEORGE TOWN - Civil servants are eagerly anticipating the news of a salary hike of over 13 per cent, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Labour Day 2024 celebration, yesterday.
Kedah State Health Department administrative assistant Noor Hafiza Mohd Nasri, 42, said the announcement was eagerly anticipated because public servants had not received salary hikes for several years.
She said the salary increase anouncement clearly showed that the government led by Anwar prioritised the welfare of civil servants, especially the executive group.
"After waiting so long for a salary increase for public servants, especially the executive group, finally today there is some good news.
"It's been a long time without a salary increase, but finally in 2024, we can enjoy an increase in salary. Thank you PMX," she said.
Hafiza also hoped that the government would always take care of the welfare of civil servants, who were the backbones of the country's administration.
Universiti Sains Malaysia language teacher Razalina Md Radzi, 47, said a salary increase at this time was needed because civil servants were facing the challenge of high living costs, especially those living in major cities with many children.
"The news of the salary increase will boost the morale of civil servants to serve more excellently.
"I hope the government will always be sensitive and caring to every complaint of public servants who serve to ensure that the country always stays ahead.
"I also hope the government can monitor and control the prices of goods, which will surely rise as well, so that we do not feel that the salary increase is no different from the previous one," she added.
Kuantan, District Education Office, School Management Sector, Assistant District Education Officer, Mohd Nawawi Abdul Ghani, 37 said the increase is a government effort to improve the quality of life of civil servants.
"After so long without an increase, it is certainly very pleasing for us. Thank you for the government's efforts in understanding the pulse of civil servants.
"I hope the government will continue its efforts to improve the quality of life of the people. Every good deed is always welcomed by all citizens," he added.
Meanwhile, Nor Anida Norhamdan, 42, a legal assistant said with the salary increase to be implemented in December, it will inject spirit into all public servants to work harder in the future.
"This increase is hoped to help us cope with the increasingly high cost of living.
"Of course, I am happy because the government has heard the grievances of civil servants who have not had an increase for several years.
"This is evidence that the government really cares about the welfare of civil servants. Thank you, PM," she said.
Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital, Kota Bharu medical emergency specialist Dr Mohd Najib Abdul Ghani, 40, said this good effort should be continued to improve the quality of life of Malaysians.
"Thank you for this gift and I hope that the government will continue to be attentive and caring towards the people. Continue these good efforts in the future.
"This increase, after so long without one, is seen as a good effort and initiative. I am grateful to the Almighty for the sustenance that has been given," he said.
Yesterday, Anwar said the government would raise civil servants' salary scheme by more than 13 per cent starting Dec 1 this year.
He said the rate was the highest and best in the country's history.
Through a Facebook post, on April 19, Anwar said the government would announce proposals for improvements, including efforts to increase the net income rate of public servants, at the 2024 Labour Day gathering.