PUTRAJAYA: A total of 85 per cent of civil servants have signed up for the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), says Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
With just four days remaining before the option period ends on Nov 30, Shamsul said the Public Service Department (PSD) will intensify efforts to clarify any uncertainties among the remaining 15 per cent who have yet to sign up with the scheme.
He said some civil servants may still be unclear about the new scheme due to misinformation circulating on social media.
"As for the remaining 15 per cent, I understand that PSD will make efforts to provide clarification as some may still be unclear due to inaccurate information on social media.
"It is about following the right path, siratul mustaqim (the straight path)," he said after officiating the Malaysia Madani national seminar here today.
More than 1,000 civil servants from various grades and ministries attended the event, together with the secretaries-general of ministries and directors-general of agencies.
The objectives of the seminar include cultivating civil service members who understand the significant roles and responsibilities they have as public servants in nation-building.
Shamsul urged civil servants to seek information directly from the PSD, rather than relying on advice from individuals who may not fully understand the system.
"PSD is the one introducing the SSPA, so follow the PSD portal. Listen to the advice from JPA and attend their engagement sessions.
"Do not just listen to friends on social media, because sometimes these people don't work for the government and might not fully understand how to advise," he said.
Civil servants will have an option period of 40 days, from Oct 21 to Nov 30, to sign up for the new SSPA, or remain under the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM), before it takes effect on Dec 1.
PSD director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz said the implementation of the SSPA will not affect the pensions of the existing permanent civil servants, and the new salary adjustments will only apply to those who opt for SSPA.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced that SSPA will take effect from Dec 1.