By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 13: The new RM1,700 minimum wage rate does not apply to Sarawak’s civil servants.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the minimum wage for Sarawak’s civil servants is subject to a circular issued by the Public Service Department of Malaysia.
“The Sarawak government has agreed in principle to adopt the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) through Sarawak State Employment Circular Number 15 of 2024, issued on Oct 15, 2024.
“For Grade 1, the Minimum Starting Salary, or base salary, is RM1,500 per month, with additional allowances amounting to RM685 per month.
“This brings the total gross income to RM2,185 per month,” she said in response to Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor in the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Sarawak’s private sector, however, is subjected to the minimum wage rate of RM1,700, which is set to take effect on Feb 1, 2025.
“Employers with fewer than five employees will be granted a six-month deferment for implementing the RM1,700 minimum wage, beginning on Aug 1, 2025,” he added. — DayakDaily
