JOHOR BARU: The government should review the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) as it has not been changed for 19 years, says Cuepacs.

       Its president Datuk Adnan Mat said the system was no longer relevant as the cost of living was not the same as when it was first implemented in 2002.

       “We believe it is crucial for the government to review the current system in line with the government’s goal of raising the average household income to RM10,000 per month by 2025 under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       “The cost of living has continued to escalate while the minimum wage for civil servants has not been changed to adapt to the current situation.

       “We hope the government will introduce a better system that is both comfortable and fair,” he said after the closing ceremony of a Johor Cuepacs seminar yesterday.

       Adnan said the government had introduced a replacement for SSM back in 2012 with the Public Service New Remuneration Scheme (SBPA), which was later scrapped as it did not meet Cuepacs’ requirements.

       He urged the government to set the new minimum wage for all civil servants, including in Sabah and Sarawak, at RM1,800 instead of the current RM1,200.

       “Under the current wage (scheme), the average salary of a civil servant is only about RM1,900 including allowance, which is still below the poverty line of RM2,208.

       “So, if no changes are made now, the government will not be able to achieve the target by 2025,” he said.

       Adnan also said the new remuneration system should look into five main concerns of civil servants, namely the capability to face the current high cost of living, providing an education for their children, buying an affordable home, and providing transportation and medical treatment.

       “We want a fair salary to help us address these concerns.

       “The government should also look into controlling the price of goods as it would not be fair if we are given an increase in salary but at the same time, there is a hike in prices,” he added.