Budget 2026: Judges' salaries to increase by 30 percent

THE government has agreed to increase judges' salaries by up to 30 percent effective January 1.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the last time judges' salaries were increased was in 2015, and they did not receive annual salary increases like other schemes and were not allowed to hold positions or engage in business.

"As we are aware, the judiciary system, which was once considered flawed, is now moving towards greater authority, integrity and independence.

"In that spirit, the government has agreed to increase judges' salaries by up to 30 percent starting January 1, 2026," he said when tabling the 2026 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Meanwhile, Anwar also stressed that all members of the Cabinet will continue to take a 20 percent cut from their respective salaries.

"In the meantime, I would like to emphasize that all members of the Cabinet will continue to take a 20 percent salary cut," he said. - October 10, 2025