PUTRAJAYA: The recent salary increment for civil servants serves as a significant boost to their motivation and dedication.
Road Transport Department, assistant enforcement officer, Norsuhaily Nordin said this is not just a short-term gain but a chance to invest in a more secured financial future.
"I feel this is a bonus, a bonus for all government employees and their families. I don't have a family yet, so I think I'll use the additional salary for savings.
"Maybe for future savings, meaning, we often say we don't have enough money due to living costs and so on. Perhaps this can help save for the future of our children.
She added that the work methods are actually quite similar to those in the private sector, but highlighted that there might be a few issues.
"We shouldn't generalise and say that public servants are lazy.
"In reality, we struggle, especially those of us with children and families, as we sometimes have to work late at night and go on outstation trips, leaving our children behind.
"We do this to ensure that our department's direction and vision align with the government's needs and to fulfil our responsibilities. We work for the people, not for ourselves," she said.
Kedah customs officer who works at the headquarter, Liou Wei Hau, 37, said the salary increase may eliminate the need for public servants to seek additional income sources.
"In terms of cost of living, I believe the new salary increase allows me to provide a better standard of living for my family.
"Regarding our future, we can say it looks brighter, and for civil servants, they no longer need to seek a second income. They can now meet their daily needs more comfortably," he said.
Associate Professor Dr Sara Chinnasamy from Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies expressed her excitement about the recent salary increase announced by the Prime Minister.
"The announcement is seen as a proactive step that not only addresses salary increments but also aims to enhance the productivity and performance of civil servants.
"This move will motivate public officials to improve their services, increase efficiency, and better serve the public, making it a significant and positive development for government agencies across the country," she said.
National Institute of Public Administration general assistant Alif Luqman Zamhuri, 28 said that this is not just about earning more, but about securing our financial future.
"Not only can we increase our annual income, but we also have the opportunity to boost our current salary. By doing so, we create the potential to save more and enhance our financial stability.
"I believe it's time to focus on saving. Previously, we used to spend, for example, RM6,700 a month.
"But looking ahead to next year, even if we maintain the same spending level, our priority should shift towards saving more," he said.
Prime Minister Department senior assistant director Suresh Ramasamy, said the salary revision is a timely and significant motivation for all of them.
"I believe that improvements related to well-being will encourage us to work harder and realise the government's goals and interests. I think this is a very good start.
"If salary revisions like these were made regularly, perhaps every five years, it would be very beneficial given the rising cost of living. The public, I believe will manage better with this adjustment.
"We have been managing well, and this is an added motivation. A heartfelt thank you to the Prime Minister and the government for this support," he said.