Pay hike proposal gets nod

KUALA LUMPUR: Social activists and non-governmental organisations are all for a proposed salary adjustment for the police force, describing it as justified given their job responsibilities and the rising cost of living.

Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin said the recommendation for a salary adjustment and increment was timely.

In view of Malaysia’s RM1,500 minimum wage rate, he said the salary of police constables should be on par as well.

“By right, it should be automatically adjusted since the minimum wage has been set by the government.

“The same rate should also be imposed for retirees who are on government pension,” he said.

On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the suggestions made included adopting the minimum wage for lower-ranking officers, a 30% annual salary increment and a one-off increment for the management group, senior officers, executives and lower rank officers.

He said a newly-recruited police constable could only earn RM1,441, so the RM1,500 minimum wage should also be applied to the police.

On the proposed 30% annual salary increment, Meor Chek Hussein said the government should consider allowing it.

“Cost of living has increased, especially in the cities.

“The welfare of police personnel, especially the rank and file, should be taken care of and such a salary increase could ease their burden,” he said.

Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye also voiced his views that the government should consider adjusting the starting salary for police constable to at least the national minimum wage of RM1,500.

“Such a proposal is justifiable in view of the increasing cost of living, especially for low-ranking police personnel.

“Once police personnel start work after undergoing their training, it is difficult for them to survive with a base salary of RM1,441, especially for those working in the cities.

“It is only fair that their salary be adjusted,” he said.

Referring to the proposal for a salary adjustment as well as a 30% annual salary increment for the police force, he said: “Given the huge task of the police to ensure public safety and security, an annual salary increase is necessary.”

They must be paid decent wages and their welfare must be taken care of, he added.

However, he acknowledged that the 30% quantum would have to depend on the affordability of the government.

Should both proposals be approved, Lee hoped that the efficiency of the police would be enhanced.

“The police have to work harder to justify the increase and they should be more productive.

“In this regard, I suggest that one of the things that can be improved upon is the communication skills of the rank and file. The low-ranking personnel are the ones who deal a lot with the public,” he added.

Lee said improving communication skills of personnel would enhance the police’s image.

“For example, when someone goes to the police station to lodge a report, he should be attended to in a warm and professional manner,” he said.

Lee said it was important to build a police force that is credible and which earns the respect of the community.

He hoped that the coming Budget 2024 would provide more funds to upgrade police quarters and police stations.

“Many police quarters for the rank and file are in a bad state. They need urgent repairs,” he said.