Civil servants welcome much awaited wage increase, call for control of goods prices

KUALA LUMPUR - Civil servants have welcomed the wage increment announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently, as it can help deal with the rising cost of living.

However, at the same time, they have also called for the prices of goods to be monitored and controlled to reduce the people’s burden.

In Ipoh, Assistant Fire Superintendent at the Perak Fire and Rescue Department, Muhammad Saffuan Abdul Razak, 39, said the salary increase for civil servants was the best step to improve their well-being.

"This salary increase motivates us to increase productivity in carrying out daily tasks, but we hope that the control of goods prices is also prioritised," he told Bernama recently.

Muhammad Saffuan said if the price increases were not kept in check, it would continue to put pressure on public servants, and they would be unable to enjoy the wage increase.

On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would strive to provide a slight increment in wages for civil servants under the second MADANI Budget that would be presented in Parliament this October.

Anwar said this would be a temporary measure while waiting for a comprehensive study on the civil servant salary and pension scheme, which was expected to be completed by next year.

For Suzairi Mansor, 43, the Prime Minister's announcement clearly showed the concern and determination of the Unity Government to help the people face the rising cost of living, especially in the big cities.

"Civil servants in bigger cities require higher expenses and wage increments boost the morale of civil servants to provide the best service to the community," said the Perak Department of Occupational Safety and Health staff.

Meanwhile, a civil servant in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Syazwan Zaki, 32, is of the view that the wages, salaries and allowances received by civil servants should be commensurate with the increase in the cost of living and the current economic situation.

"What more with those who have many commitments, including children and so on," he said.

For Rosnoorhusna Abdul Rahman, 36, the Prime Minister's effort can help address the insufficient income of civil servants, and raise the welfare of the group considered the backbone of the country.

However, she hoped that when the wage increment was implemented in the future, it would be enjoyed by all civil servants without exception, and that there would not be any addition of duties including clerical work," said the teacher who serves in Kota Bharu. - BERNAMA