KUCHING, Sept 25: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) will put forward a request to the government to address minimum wages for civil servants in the upcoming Budget 2021.
According to its president Adnan Mat, the new minimum wage should be standardized with the study result done by the Bank Negara which is RM2,700, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) which is RM2,480, including RM2,620 from Ceupacs.
“At this moment, the minimum wage is RM1,200, which is far below the poverty line declared by the government which is RM2,208.
“This means the government also needs to take the first step to address the current minimum wages in the country, and this is our view on it,” said Adnan when met with reporters after attending to the State Level World Environmental Day program held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium, today.
Meanwhile, when pressed about the amount of bonus that Cuepacs requested from the government in the coming Budget 2021 for the civil servant, Adnan said the amount is yet to be finalised, and the union will let the government decide on it.
What is important, Adnan pointed out, there is a dire need for it (bonus) for the civil servant in order to show appreciation towards them.
He explained that Cuepacs also has informed the government that the civil servants have done their duty and served the country as best as they can.
“Eventhough the government has changed for three times, we still continue to serve the country. The government delivery systems still continue because the civil servant are the main pillar for the government in implementing every policy that has been decided.
“That is why we would like to request the government to not overlook the civil servants’ contribution, and in return giving them the bonus, because of their dedicated services all this while including during the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak, and they have done the best they can,” he added.
Earlier on, a total of 98 district health centers, including 48 local councils throughout the state received their certificate of appreciation in conjunction with the State Level World Environmental Day program. — DayakDaily
