15 hours Ago By Karen Masing
WITH Hari Raya fast approaching, the special financial assistance provided by both the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government has become a key topic among federal civil servants in the State.This year, the State Government has increased its special Raya assistance to RM700, while the Federal Government has allocated an additional RM500, bringing the total aid for federal civil servants in Sarawak to RM1,200.This financial support has been warmly welcomed, as it helps ease the burden of festive preparations and daily expenses.
However, some civil servants hope for further increases in the future, citing the rising cost of living and Sarawak’s strong economic performance.Jubilee Jineh, 55, CUEPACS Sarawak Chairman.JUBILEE JINEH, 55, CHAIRMAN OF CUEPACS SARAWAK:“As federal civil servants, we are grateful to the Sarawak State Government and the Premier’s generosity in providing RM700 in special Raya assistance this year, a RM100 increase from last year, which helps ease financial burdens, especially for daily expenses.
This aid is especially meaningful for those celebrating Hari Raya as it helps with festive preparations, while also benefiting non-celebrants by covering essential expenses like school supplies for their children.While grateful for the continuous increase in assistance, we hope the State Government will further raise the amount, ideally to at least half a month’s salary next year, given Sarawak’s strong economic performance and its commendable precedent as the first State to provide such aid.”Rohana Jaini, 49, CUEPACS Sarawak Secretary.
ROHANA JAINI, 49, SECRETARY OF CUEPACS SARAWAK:“We deeply appreciate the special Hari Raya assistance and thank the Sarawak Government and relevant associations for providing this financial aid, which helps civil servants prepare for Hari Raya and purchase necessities, though it remains insufficient given the rising cost of living and goods.Looking ahead, we hope the RM500 provided by the Federal Government to civil servants will be increased, and while we are grateful to the State Government for raising its assistance to RM700, we believe this amount should continue to grow, ideally reaching at least RM1,000 or half a month’s salary, especially given the higher cost of goods in Sarawak compared to Peninsular Malaysia.With the state government already providing state employees a two-month bonus, we hope federal employees in Sarawak could receive RM1,000 or half a month’s salary, which would ease family expenses, contribute to the local economy, and ideally see the State’s contribution increased from RM700 to RM1,000 or even a full month’s salary.
”Othman Mommad Suhaili, 51, Senior Customs Officer.OTHMAN MOMMAD SUHAILI, 51, SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICER:“The special Hari Raya assistance, which has increased to RM700 this year from RM400 during the COVID-19 period and RM500 last year, is greatly appreciated as it helps ease the burden of Raya preparations, particularly for civil servants celebrating the festive season.The State Government does not directly provide assistance, but when the State CUEPACS applies and follows the proper procedures, this support plays a crucial role in financial planning, easing the challenge of festive preparations and allowing civil servants to celebrate Raya with more ease and share the joy with loved ones.
”Ramli Bujang, 59, Union President & Youth and Sports Assistant, UNIMAS.RAMLI BUJANG, 59, UNION PRESIDENT and YOUTH AND SPORTS ASSISTANT, UNIMAS:“As federal civil servants, we are grateful for the RM500 provided by the Federal Government, bringing the total assistance to RM1,200, which, despite being modest, plays a crucial role in managing rising living costs and helps us better prepare for a once-a-year celebration while benefiting our families.Given the rising cost of goods, we believe further enhancements to the assistance are needed, and while the State Government employees receive up to a two-month bonus, providing federal employees in Sarawak with at least half a month’s salary as a bonus would significantly ease financial challenges and improve their situation.
While we are grateful for the RM700 assistance, we hope future changes will further support the welfare of federal civil servants in Sarawak, with an increase to at least half a month’s salary making a significant difference in improving our financial well-being.”.
