PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced the early incentive payment of RM2,000 to all civil servants in Grades 56 and below, including those on contract, which will be paid on Feb 23.
During the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly today, Anwar said all government pensioners including veterans, be it with or without pensions, would also receive RM1,000 each.
"All main public sector employees including uniformed personnel such as the police and military personnel, also will receive RM1,000 each."
Previously, it was announced in the 2024 budget that an early incentive payment would be made in one lump sum at the end of February, to ease the burden of back to school preparations and preparation for the months of Ramadan and Syawal.
The payment, he said, was while awaiting the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) study, expected to be finalised by year end.
Anwar added that the government's decisions and policies extended beyond the public sector, encompassing all sectors, including the disabled community, small rubber plantation owners, fishermen, and the less privileged.
He said any additional allocations or government injections could be implemented through the dedicated efforts of public servants in addressing inefficiencies and minimising wastage.
"From the outset, our government has prioritised good governance and responsible financial management to curb wastage.
"The Madani government's approach facilitates the targeted distribution of additional assistance to those in need.
"This is evident in the government's initiative to raise the Rubber Production Incentive to RM400 million this year.
"Additionally, the government is steadfast in augmenting cash assistance rates for those in need, with Phase 1 payments reaching up to RM500 per household recipient."
Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, urged his ministry and related agencies to continue striving their best to boost the nation's economy, ensuring that the people could reap its benefits.
"I call upon the ministry staff to persevere in their work. Negative news is part of the norm, but those of us closely monitoring the situation understand our genuine commitment to serving the country.
"The sudden improvement can be attributed to the government's successful efforts in cutting down costs that were deemed excessive.
"Some of our notable achievements include electricity subsidies, stabilising chicken prices for improved yields, and collaboration with enforcement partners such as Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), contributing to enhanced outcomes."
On Jan 9, Anwar announced that IRB recorded RM183 billion in tax collections last year and out of the RM238 billion in government revenue, RM55 billion was derived from the Customs Department.