RELA’s RM8-an-hour allowance to be reviewed as rate falls below minimum wage

Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 14: The RM8-an-hour allowance for members of the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA) will be reviewed and adjusted to a more reasonable level, as the current rate is below the minimum wage.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a simple calculation showed that RELA members working eight hours a day for 24 days would earn less than the minimum wage of RM1,700.

“RM1,700 is the minimum wage. If they work for 24 days at RM8 an hour, that means RM64 a day for eight hours, and RM64 multiplied by 24 days is below the minimum wage.

“If they work 12 hours, RM96 multiplied by 24 days is only slightly more than the minimum wage,” he said after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

Saifuddin Nasution said he had instructed Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and relevant officials to continue discussions with the Finance Ministry to finalise the new allowance rate.

“These discussions need to begin and be pursued urgently so that the new rate can be implemented in the nearest financial year. The welfare of RELA members is among the Home Ministry’s current priorities, including ensuring that the allowance they receive is commensurate with their duties and length of service,” he said.

Commenting on the RELA Students Brigade (RELASIS) at higher education institutions, he said its members would receive the same allowance rate as RELA members.

“The allowance will be provided using existing allocations, including taking into account allocations for the following year. This is aimed at improving the welfare of RELASIS members who undergo training while at university,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said the number of RELASIS members undergoing training at higher education institutions is small, and the allowance is not expected to require additional funding or Cabinet approval.

He said RELASIS, established in 2017, offers university students several benefits through participation in the uniformed unit, including exemption from the National Service Training Programme.

Saifuddin Nasution said an allowance for RELASIS is one welfare measure that can be introduced quickly, unlike initiatives involving other volunteer forces such as the Police Volunteer Reserve and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Cadet Corps, which would require amendments to the law and Cabinet approval. — Bernama