Civil servants thrilled over increment — it’s the best news in a long time

PETALING JAYA: Public assistant officer Annitha Mary Micheal Dass, 26, is planning to get married in January. Nurse Karalin Anthonysamy, 34, is expecting her baby soon.

For both of them – and for all civil servants – the announcement of a salary hike exceeding 13% is probably the best news in a long time.

Annitha, who is with the Parit Buntar Public Works Department, said she was thrilled about the salary hike and felt it was a recognition of their hard work and dedication.

“The increase will certainly have a positive impact on my situation.

“It may not solve many issues like the rising cost of living, inflation rates, and other expenditures, but it will provide some relief and bring greater financial stability,” she said.

The soon-to-be bride said she is likely to get a raise of almost RM300, which will be useful after her wedding.

Karalin, who works at Hospital Teluk Intan, said the unexpected news made her doubly happy as she will be having her baby in a few months.

“This will help me pay for daily expenses, baby necessities and hospital bills, and to pay loans,” said Karalin, who is expecting an increment of about RM500.

“It’s a positive step, but continuous monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure it keeps pace with the evolving cost of living,” Karalin added.

Johor Youth and Sports Department assistant director Nur Amalina Holidi, who is likely to get a RM1,000 pay rise, said the increment would be a big help with daily expenses.

“This is a big amount, which I will spend on my children’s education, gym and insurance for my family,” said the 31-year-old.

Policeman Mohammad Aizat, also 31, from Selama, Perak, is grateful for the raise, especially in view of high living expenses.

“The prices of goods and services have all gone up since the Covid-19 pandemic, but our salary has remained unchanged,” said the lance corporal.

Aizat said he would be saving his extra income from next year for family expenditures in the future.