PM Delays Critical Allowance Repeal For Health Workers, Other Civil Servants

The Cabinet will discuss the critical allowance in January.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 — Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has decided to postpone abolishing the critical allowance of public health workers and other civil servants amid mass dissatisfaction.

Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman said he had spoken to Dr Mahathir about it, after he objected to the repeal of the Critical Service Incentive Payment (BIPK) that would hit junior doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and medical assistants entering the civil service next year, among other professionals like engineers, architects, and air traffic controllers.

“Alhamdulillah. The Prime Minister has agreed to postpone the new circular on the critical allowance and will discuss this matter in the first Cabinet meeting in January.

“We will never forget the voices of the youths!” Syed Saddiq posted on Facebook.

The government has come under fire from health care professional groups and the public now that the RM750 monthly BIPK for new medical officers, pharmacy officers, dental officers, and up to 15 per cent of the monthly basic salary for nurses, will be scrapped for those appointed from January 1, 2020. For other professionals in the civil service affected, the figure ranges between 5 and 10 per cent of their monthly basic salary.

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