KOTA KINABALU: Sabah union workers have given the thumbs up to the government over the state Budget 2025 tabled on Friday (Nov 15), which they described as attentive to the welfare of civil servants.
In expressing their gratitude, Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Sabah chairman Ajulahin Apin said, among others, the announcement of the special financial assistance of RM3,000 to state civil staff was historic.
“This has never happened before and it will certainly boost the motivation of civil servants throughout Sabah,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Nov 16).
"This largest bonus in the history of Sabah for civil servants reflects the government's appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by civil servants.
"It serves as evidence that the state administration values the sacrifices and dedication of civil servants in ensuring that services to the public are delivered efficiently and effectively," he added.
In tabling the state Budget themed “Prosperous Sabah, Prosperous People”, state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the government agreed to provide the special financial assistance equivalent to one month's salary, or a minimum of RM3,000, to all Sabah state public civil servants, including contract and daily paid workers.
This assistance, he added, which benefits a total of 18,949 personnel, with a financial implication of RM68.48mil, will be paid next January.
Ajulahin said the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SSPA), which will take effect on Dec 1, was also an important achievement in improving the quality of life for civil servants.
"I urge all civil servants to continue serving with dedication, uphold integrity, accountability, and professionalism in every task they perform,” he said, thanking the Chief Minister and the state government for their support.
Masidi had said the government will implement the salary revision in two phases, with the first in December and the second in 2026.
This revision, with a total financial implication of RM149mil, reflected the government's commitment to reduce the people’s income gap, including civil servants, he added.
Among the other goodies announced by Masidi was the introduction of a one-off RM300 contribution per student under the Higher Education Students in Sabah (Sentosa) programme.
Those identified under the poor and hardcore poor brackets will also receive a special monthly assistance of RM300 for a year under the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme, with the government allocating 358.5mil for this.
The government, he said, will also allocate RM250mil for the construction of 3,000 units Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya across 73 state constituencies.
