THE STAR – Malaysian social activists and non-governmental organisations are in support of the proposed salary adjustment for the police force, citing its justification in light of their job responsibilities and the increasing cost of living.
Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia President Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin emphasised the timeliness of the recommendation for a salary adjustment and increment.
In view of Malaysia’s MYR1,500 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 per cent 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 MYR1,441, so the MYR1,500 minimum wage should also be applied to the police.
On the proposed 30 per cent 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 said the government should consider adjusting the starting salary for police constable to at least the national minimum wage of MYR1,500.
“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 MYR1,441, 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 per cent 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 per cent 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
