Malaysia’s main union representing Public Servants has called on the Government to review the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) used by the Public Service to meet the current economic needs of Government workers.
President of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs), Adnan Mat (pictured) said the SSM had not been reviewed or improved since its implementation in November 2002.
“The review of SSM needs to be done immediately as the scheme was formulated based on the economic situation and cost of living in 2002 and now it can be considered no longer relevant,” Mr Adnan said.
“In the last 19 years, we have faced the rising cost of living, including a sharp increase in prices of houses,” he said.
Mr Adnan said the current starting salary in the Government sector was RM1,200 ($A379) excluding other allowances, and was far below the country’s new poverty line of RM2,208 ($A697).
“Among the things that need to be emphasised in the new SSM is the setting of a minimum salary of RM1,800 ($A568),” the President said.
“Cuepacs is ready to hold talks and discussions with the Government to review and renew the SSM.”
He called for “A drastic action” to be taken in an SSM review “so that the Government’s intention to improve the quality of public sector delivery services can be done more effectively”.
Kuala Lumpur, 13 April 2021
