PM: Civil servants deserve salary hike for their contributions, sacrifices

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially opened the gimmick and launch the world fire and rescue day at Ulu Kinta Tambun

IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lambasted certain parties for questioning the government's intent to offer a 13% hike in civil servants’ salaries.

The Prime Minister said such an action should not be disputed because the increase is in recognition of the contribution and sacrifices by government personnel such as those from the Fire and Rescue Department.

Anwar said the current peace and security enjoyed in the country was due to the dedication by agencies such as the army, police, the fire and services department, and so on.

"I want to remind not only the personnel but the general public who sometimes complain and dispute some decisions when we want to give additional wages and recognition to services and civil servants.

ALSO READ : Civil servants' salary increase appropriate, reasonable and fair, says Sim

“They sometimes ask why the government chose to increase the allowances, salaries and wages of civil servants during the current economic situation.

"They also forget that this country is safe from fires and landslides... all because of the services and sacrifices (of the related personnel), that is why we give recognition," he said when launching the World Firefighters Day 2024 in Tambun here on Saturday (May 4).

Also present at the event were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, and the Fire and Rescue Department’s director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.

Anwar said he appreciates the contributions and sacrifices of Malaysian firefighters who have even caught international attention.

"I remember last year when I was present after the earthquake in Turkey. Every time I met with the Turkey President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he saluted our team for their efficiency, consistency, discipline and spirit of love shown,” he added.

On May 1, the Prime Minister announced a salary increase for civil servants exceeding 13% from December this year, involving an allocation of over RM10bil. It will be tabled at the Budget 2025 presentation in October.

World Firefighters Day, which is celebrated every May 4, is an event to commemorate the sacrifices and services of firefighters around the world.