The Sabah Cabinet has approved a significant salary adjustment for its state public service, aligning with the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) recently introduced by the Federal Government. This decision reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring its civil servants receive fair compensation amid rising living costs and changing economic realities.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor revealed that the salary adjustment will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase is set to take effect on December 1, 2024, with the second following closely on January 1, 2025. This adjustment will benefit a wide swath of the state's workforce, including 21,228 state civil servants and 2,116 part-time daily workers.
Hajiji explained that the financial implications of this adjustment are substantial, with an allocation of more than RM149 million to cover the costs. Specifically, RM103 million will go toward the salary adjustments for the state civil servants, while RM46 million has been earmarked for the part-time daily workers.
In addition to the salary adjustments, the state government has made an important decision regarding part-time workers. As of December 1, 2024, the salary rate for daily part-time workers will be adjusted to a minimum of RM1,725 per month. This marks a significant improvement in their wages, aimed at recognizing their critical contributions to the state's development. The government also plans to enhance their existing benefits to further support these workers, many of whom play vital roles in maintaining the efficiency and functionality of the state’s operations.
This move by Sabah aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s broader efforts to reform the public sector’s remuneration system. In August, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the SSPA, which will replace the current Malaysian Remuneration Scheme (SSM). The SSPA is designed to offer more equitable compensation to federal public servants, and now, Sabah has followed suit by applying this system at the state level.
Hajiji emphasized that this adjustment is not only a practical response to the rising cost of living but also a gesture of appreciation for the tireless efforts of state public service personnel. He described it as a manifestation of the state government's commitment to the welfare of its workforce, noting that their contributions are pivotal to driving the state’s development agenda.
Furthermore, these changes come at a time when the cost of living in Malaysia has been steadily increasing, making it crucial for public servants to receive adequate compensation to sustain their households. By adjusting salaries and improving benefits, the Sabah government is actively working to mitigate these economic pressures for its workers.
The Sabah government’s decision to implement the salary adjustment under the SSPA reflects its ongoing dedication to the welfare of its civil servants and part-time workers. This move is expected to bolster morale, enhance productivity, and ensure that the public service sector continues to function efficiently, even in challenging economic times. With the first phase of the adjustment set to begin in December, the Sabah workforce can look forward to tangible improvements in their compensation packages, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to equitable and sustainable development.
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