The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) is hoping that the government will increase the incentives for civil servants, including for civil servants who are just above the poverty line.

Cuepacs president Azih Muda said the implementation of the minimum wage scheme is relevant and has come at the optimum time so that civil servants can focus on their job and increase productivity.

“The minimum wage must be above the poverty line. We want civil servants to be able to manage their families, buy their own houses and live in a conducive environment... focus on their job and need not worry about other issues.

“There won’t be productivity if there is no focus. To remain focused one need to be comfortable,” he told reporters at the opening of the Penang state-level Labour Day celebrations at the Seberang Perai Politeknik by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Azih ( right ) said there are currently 1.6 million civil servants and Cuepacs was always carrying out research and analysis related to the needs of civil servants.

“Our hope is for the government to raise the minimum wage from RM800 to RM1,200, although we know that in big cities RM3,000 is still considered under the poverty level,” he said.

Azih added that Cuepacs hoped there would be good news for civil servants when the prime minister tables the 2016 Budget.

“We hope there will be a forum for civil servants to discuss the proposals from the government to ensure better services in the civil service,” he said.   

- Bernama