Sarawak Cuepacs urges government to increase housing allowance, regional incentives

BETONG: The Sarawak branch of the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) expresses hope that the Madani Government will raise the Fixed Housing Allowance (ITP) and Regional Incentive Payment (BIW) for civil servants.

Sarawak Cuepacs chairman Jubilee Jineh welcomed the recent statement by Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in which he hinted at the government’s intention, under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to increase salaries for civil servants and pension allowances for retirees starting next year.

“In connection with that, we are also requesting an increase in the ITP for members of the implementing group to at least RM500, compared to the current RM300. This is considering the relatively high house prices in the main cities in Sarawak,” he explained.

Jubilee shared these sentiments when contacted on Tuesday (Dec 5) for feedback on the Unity Government’s efforts to enhance the financial benefits for civil servants and retirees.

He further stressed that BIW should be revised as the allowance has not undergone a review or improvement for an extended period. Jubilee urged the government to promptly approve the new remuneration system.

“Our wish is to see the Unity Government immediately approve the new remuneration system, which the paperwork has been forwarded by Cuepacs to the government. The Malaysian Compensation System (SSM) was introduced in 2002 through Service Circular No. 4 of 2002,” he stated.

On Monday, Fahmi confirmed that Anwar had initiated plans to increase civil servants’ salaries and pensioners’ allowances from 2024, aligning with government efforts to stimulate the national economy.

“While some decisions are pending, awaiting announcements from Chief Secretary Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali or the Prime Minister, the government has also approved a white paper proposing a Progressive Wage Policy to enhance the income of workers in the private sector,” Fahmi added after officiating the Diplomatic Administration Officer Alumni Forum on Monday.