Nst
24 Mei 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) expressed its disappointment that the 2023 Budget lacked solutions to solve the cost of living issue civil servants faced.
He said civil servants wanted a new remuneration system as the current one has not been reviewed since November 2002 and is not suitable for the current economic environment.
"The extra income of up to RM1,300 through tax reduction does not reflect the real situation the people are facing.
"Salary and wage rates cannot keep up with the increasing cost of living. This includes basic needs such as food, healthcare and housing.
"The key for the country to escape this cost of living situation is to increase the salaries and wages of workers, in addition to implementing measures to control the increase in the cost of living."
Adnan said the government did not commit to re-evaluating the public service remuneration system to increase the income of civil servants.
He said the 2023 Budget also did not touch on affordable housing for civil servants.
"An affordable housing programme for civil servants needs to be introduced.
"The Satu Rumah Satu Anggota Programme (SASaR) for military personnel can be expanded to all civil servants.
"They are not asking for free housing because they are willing to pay for it, but prices offered by developers are ridiculous compared with current salary rates."
Adnan thanked the government for continuing the early redemption of replacement leaves of up to 50 per cent, with a maximum of 90 days.
"The Bantuan Khas Kewangan Aidilfitri of RM700 for Grade 56 civil servants and below, including contract employees, was implemented by previous governments and will continue."