By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 13: The Sarawak government has effectively provided civil servants with a ‘five-month bonus’ through an innovative approach, and this could become a direct benefit by 2030, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He highlighted how Sarawak’s approach to rewarding its civil servants showcases the administration’s innovative thinking and strategic planning, emphasising the combination of December’s two-month bonus and monthly allowances that together amount to five months of additional income.
“The Sarawak government could have announced a five-month bonus, but it would incur high income tax for civil servants. Thus, we structured it as allowances so that you don’t face that burden.
“You must thank the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) for carefully considering this approach. Unless you’re an accountant, you might not realise how much this helps,” he said during Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Annual Dinner held at Imperial Hotel last night (Jan 12).
He also expressed optimism that having more than five months’ bonus could be achieved by 2030 if Sarawakians unite and work hard on nation-building efforts to develop the State.
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG), further urged MBKS staff to elevate their standards and embrace continuous self-improvement as Sarawak progresses under its Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“If any of the MBKS staff wants to study, you let me know. I will see the State Secretary for you because we need talents.
“The type of work we do now is different from what we will expect in 2030,” he said, adding, “Do your master’s, do your PhD, so you can contribute to the next level.”
Highlighting the role of values alongside education, Dr Sim emphasised the importance of dedication and pride in one’s work.
“I want MBKS staff to have values too—‘I got too much bonus, I want to do something for MBKS, I want to do something for Sarawak,’” he highlighted.
Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng in his speech outlined the Council’s significant achievements in 2024 which include earning a prestigious 5-Star Rating in the Local Authorities Star Rating System (SPB-PBT), implementing Smart City Early Adopter to enhance urban management in Kuching South, and being recognised as a member of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC).
Additionally, MBKS received several awards namely the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, the ASEAN Sustainable Urban Tourism (Gastronomy) accolade and the JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2024 for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
“Looking ahead to 2025, our vision remains clear. We will continue to align ourselves with Sarawak’s PCDS 2030 by prioritising sustainable development, leveraging digital transformation, and enhancing the well-being of our residents.
“In the year to come, we aim to further enhance our city’s infrastructure to ensure a safe and efficient urban environment, strengthen community engagement by fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency, and promote sustainability through initiatives that address climate change and urban resilience,” Wee said.
Also present were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Amar Enn Ong, MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MPHLG permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh and Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) acting city secretary Wong Ming Kong. — DayakDaily
