PASIR GUDANG: The government's recent wage increase for civil servants in the implementing and professional group has overlooked the plight of informal workers in public institutions.
Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Abdul Karim said it was a positive and necessary move to increase the wages of civil servants, especially those in the low-income bracket.
However, there was also a crucial need to look into the wages of informal workers in public institutions.
The informal workers, such as cleaners, security guards and gardeners working in schools, hospitals and clinics, provide essential services in government facilities.
"They are employed on a contract basis by private contractors and they earn low wages.
"They are not officially recognised as part of the public sector workforce, and the government needs to intervene urgently," Hassan said today (Saturday).
Yesterday (Friday), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that civil servants in top management and professional roles would see their wages increased by seven per cent.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the increments under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) would be implemented in two phases — in December this year and the second phase in January 2026. (https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1092339/updated-15-cent-salar...)
Hassan said the salary adjustments were expected to help build a growing middle-class in the country.
However, informal workers still faced numerous issues like low salaries, long working hours and inconsistent contributions to their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
He said there were also cases where the workers were denied the minimum wage and job security.
He said many of them were in dire situations and exploited by their employers. He called for the government, namely the Human Resources Ministry, to step in and address the issue.
"The government must ensure fair wages, proper working conditions and job security for the often-overlooked workforce.
While the government focused on raising the standard of living for civil servants, they should not ignore the informal workers' needs.
"Their rights and welfare must be safeguarded in line with national development goals," he said.