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KUALA LUMPUR – Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar-Muda) told Parliament that there are interns serving in government agencies and ministries who have yet to receive an allowance.
The Muar MP said that he received numerous complaints about the matter from interns.
He pointed out that, in 2019, following a cabinet decision, it was made compulsory for all interns to be paid.
“The payment owed to them is not small. Following an amendment, the allowance rose from RM300 to an average of RM850 to RM900.
“So why are there agencies and ministries betraying these youth who are promised payments?” Syed Saddiq said during Parliament’s question time today.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Mustapha Sakmud responded to Syed Saddiq’s allegations by pointing out there is no specific legislation that makes payment to interns compulsory.
However, Mustapha said the Muar MP raised an important point that should drive ministries to study ways to ensure their interns receive an allowance.
“This is an important reminder, especially for ministries who have interns, to study ways to make sure they are paid.
“I also don’t think there is specific legislation to make it compulsory that interns are paid an allowance.
“This is something we consider important, and we will take the Muar MP’s recommendations to Parliament,” Mustapha said. – The Vibes, May 24, 2023