SEREMBAN: Malaysia will consider extending the retirement age of its civil servants as recommended by the World Bank if the economy continues to be on the uptrend leading to the creation of more jobs, said Tan Sri Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman.

       The Public Service director-general said the World Bank had mooted the proposal as the country’s life expectancy has been improving in recent years.

       He said the Public Service Department is also prepared to consider this as many individuals are still productive at the current mandatory retirement age of 60.

       “The World Bank has proposed that Malaysia increase the retirement age of its public-sector workforce in stages since we now have a better life expectancy.

       “We have to look at this thoroughly because there are more than half a million new job seekers entering the labour market every year.

       “But if the economy continues to expand leading to the creation of more job opportunities, we could consider this,” he told reporters when met after a session with human resources managers in the state civil service at Wisma Negri here.

       Mohd Khairul said this when responding to a question from the media about the possibility of the government raising the retirement age for civil servants.

       At present, the civil service has some 1.6 million employees.

       The retirement age for government employees was increased from 55 to 56 in 2001. This was extended to 58 in 2008 and to 60 in 2012.

       Mohd Khairul said the government will have to look at several aspects before reviewing the retirement age.

       “Although the World bank has recommended that we do so, we have to consider several factors and look at it holistically before reviewing it.

       “I agree that there are many who can still serve beyond the age of 60 but we also have to balance this with those entering the job market and labour market conditions, among others.”

       On a separate matter, Mohd Khairul said department heads in the civil service have been authorised to manage cases of employees who have yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

       He said they can decide on the type of action to be taken against those who still refuse to be vaccinated.

       “The number of government employees yet to be vaccinated is actually negligible compared to the total number.

       “So we have told department heads to look into them on a case-to-case basis,” he said.

       He said these employees can be issued show-cause letters why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for disobeying a directive.

       The PSD has made it mandatory for all civil servants to receive the Covid-19 vaccine by Nov 1 to ensure that public services are carried out smoothly.

       Those who still remain unvaccinated without being exempted for health issues will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

       “There are seven stages before a particular employee is sacked.

       “So it is up to the department head to decide if the employee should only be given a warning or be subjected to more serious disciplinary action,” he said.

       Mohd Khairul said civil servants on contract will not have their contracts renewed if they still choose not to be vaccinated.

       As of Nov 10, some 29,000 civil servants had yet to get their vaccinations.

       Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said disciplinary action against the errant civil servants could include issuance of warnings, freezing of promotions and docking of salaries.