AYER KEROH: The government is preparing to provide detailed information about the salary increase for approximately 1.3 million civil servants ahead of the presentation of the 2024 Budget in October.
Deputy Finance Minister 1, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, stated that the increase in pension payment costs for retired non-pensioned military personnel will also be detailed.
"The prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) is very concerned about civil servants, including former military personnel who have long been requesting salary increases (pensions).
"The matter is under discussion and no decision has been made yet," he said after conducting a dialogue during the Budget 2024 Roadshow at the Auditorium Seri Negeri, here today.
Also present were chief minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and state secretary, Datuk Wira Zaidi Johari.
Anwar had previously announced that the government is working to slightly increase the salaries of civil servants through the second Madani Budget, which will be presented in parliament this October.
He reportedly stated that this is a temporary measure until a comprehensive study on the salary and retirement scheme for civil servants is completed, expected to be done next year.
He said that this step is necessary to offset the rising cost of living, as 1.3 million civil servants have not received a salary increase for the past two years.
Meanwhile, Ahmad mentioned that the Ministry of Finance (MOF) is actively conducting the Budget 2024 Roadshow at the state level as part of the preparation for this year's national budget presentation.
In addition to the state-level roadshow program, the MOF is also organising
a series of discussions with various stakeholders such as civil servants, private sector representatives, technocrats, NGOs, associations, academics and the general public to ensure the preparation of a comprehensive budget that fulfils the aspirations of all segments of society and entities in the country.
"Budget 2024 will support Malaysia in achieving the Madani Economy vision, which aims to elevate the country's status and standing by restructuring the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Malaysians.
"In line with the Madani Economy framework, the policy documents; including the
New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan and the 2024 Budget, will refine strategies and steps to restructure Malaysia's economy and ensure inclusive development for the people," he said.