SERDANG: The salary increase for civil servants shows the government's commitment to safeguarding their wellbeing, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
"Alhamdulillah, salam (welcome) 15 per cent; this is good news for us.
"Hopefully, our efforts to continue addressing other issues (in education) will be given attention," she told reporters after attending the fifth Distinguished Lecture Series on Youth Well Being: 'Cultivating Empathy and Compassion through Education', where she spoke at length about the subject.
Meanwhile, the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon in welcoming the move, said he hoped that teachers would take advantage of the pay hike to address the rising cost of living.
He expressed hope that it would be a catalyst for teachers to improve the quality of education in the country.
"It is hoped that it will not be used to make additional commitments to the extent that the increase given does not reduce their (net) monthly income.
"He said the government should also consider increasing the allowance of tenured teachers to compensate for the burden of responsibility they carry out.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced an increase in civil servants' remuneration of more than 13 per cent, among the highest in Malaysia's history.
Under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), the government will increase the salary to ensure that the minimum pay for civil servants will exceed RM2,000 per month, effective Dec 1 this year.