IPOH: THE Public Services Commission (SPA) is expecting more applications to join the civil service following the announcement of the new Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus, said on Saturday (Aug 17) that Friday's announcement of a pay raise would attract more youths.
"In personal opinion, although I don't have the data now, I expect that when the prime minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) made the announcement yesterday (Friday), it would inspire more young people to join the civil service.
"They know the new salary rate, and what is most important is the element of security."
He said this after the SPA@Perak Open Day at the Ipoh Convention Centre here.
It was reported on Friday that civil servants in the implementing and professional group would receive a 15 per cent salary increment in two phases, with the first effective on Dec 1 and the second on Jan 1, 2026.
Anwar, who is finance minister, added that civil servants in the top management and professional roles would see a total salary increase of seven per cent.
Jailani said the increase in the number of civil service applications might be seen by the first quarter of next year next year.
He added that those who wanted to join the civil service should equip themselves, as they would be competing with hundreds of thousands of applicants.
"Get the right information because the application process is not like before, and the competition is stiff due to the large number of applications."
Jailani said: "I believe that to be competitive, we need to equip ourselves.
"So, today's programme is very important to learn how to fill out the form, how to answer interview questions and how to handle assessments," he said.
He reminded applicants not to fall prey to scams relating to civil service job offers.
"If you have doubts, check the official website or visit the headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
"At state level, we have offices where you can obtain information," he added.
In Gua Musang, Kelantan, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the salary adjustment was part of the ministry's broader to strengthen and reform the private labour market.
He said this initiative was aimed at implementing progressive wage increases aligned with national productivity.
He said that the salary increase supported the National Progressive Wage Policy, in addition to the Minimum Wage Policy and Productivity Linked-Wage System.
"This approach will boost productivity and contribute to a more balanced income distribution.
"We anticipate that the private sector will follow this lead, as more than 1,000 employers have responded to similar initiatives," he said in Kampung Jeram Tekoh here yesterday.