Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has announced several perks and improvements to the remuneration programme for civil servants and pensioners, set to take effect in January 2023. Among other things, these include an additional RM100 annual salary increment, as well as special financial assistance (BKK) of RM700 for civil servants, and RM350 for retirees and military veterans.

According to the prime minister, the additional annual salary increment of RM100 will be made available to Grade 11 to Grade 56 civil servants. “So if the annual salary increment for those in Grade 11 is currently RM80, in 2023, he will receive the basic increment of RM80 and an additional RM100, bringing the total to RM180,” he explained, adding that a total of RM1.5 billion has been allocated to benefit 1.28 million recipients via this initiative.

Meanwhile, civil servants in Grade 56 and below will receive a special financial assistance of RM700, whereas government pensioners and non-pensionable veterans are entitled to a payment of RM350. Both aids will be paid out in January 2023.

On top of that, the government is also taking steps to improve the remuneration and compensation package for civil servants. One such improvement is the increase in maximum days for the cash award in lieu of leave (GCR) benefit, up from the existing 160 days to 180 days.

“The government understands that because of the heavier tasks coming their way, many civil servants were not able to take their annual leave. With the increase in the GCR, they can save their annual leave for a cash reward for their retirement later,” said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.

Additionally, education service officers of more than 10 years will be entitled to 15 days of special annual leave – up from the current 10 days. This is expected to benefit approximately 500,000 teachers.

Moreover, the government is expanding the definition of family members for the unrecorded leave facility involving the death of close family members. At present, civil servants can only take unrecorded leave for funeral affairs of their spouse, biological parents, parents-in-law, and children. Come next year, they can also apply for unrecorded leave for the funeral of siblings and grandparents.

Not only that, officers who have achieved the maximum salary will also see improvements made to their annual salary movement. “The government has agreed to improve the fixed rate of 3% received by officers who have reached the maximum salary to a new rate, which will be standardised according to grade for all service classifications, effective 1 January 2022,” said the prime minister, adding that a circular with detailed explanation on the matter will be issued soon.

Ultimately, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri hoped that the improved benefits will motivate civil servants to help the government achieve its aspirations. “If their productivity can be increased, the country’s economy will be strengthened, and the government will surely be able to improve infrastructure and facilities for the Malaysian Family as a whole,” he stated.

(Source: The Edge Markets)

• TAGS:
• Civil Servants
• Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
• Financial Assistance
• Government Financial Assistance
• Grade 11
• Grade 56