Armed forces are paid better than civil servants, says Abdul Latiff

KUCHING: The Malaysian Armed Forces have got a better deal compared to civil servants under the Public Service Remuneration Scheme (SBPA).

Defence Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the salary scales for the Armed Forces were higher under the same entry point.

He said like other public jobs, the qualification required to join the Armed Forces was Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

However, he said, the basic pay for the rank of private based on the SPM qualification was higher than those in other sectors.

“Now the starting salary for an army private is RM1,125 a month, which is the best. Those who started on a private’s scale also have the option to serve for 27 years now. If a private started at the age of 18, he can retire at 45 under the new scheme,” he told a press conference at Penrissen camp here yesterday.

Abdul Latiff, who earlier had a dialogue session with personnel from the three forces — Air Force, Navy and Army — said the implementation of the Armed Forces remuneration scheme was in accordance with Article 132 of the Federal Constitution, which placed the Armed Forces in the top list of public services.

He said the Defence Ministry had been looking at a new salary scheme for military personnel at all levels in line with the transformation being implemented in the armed forces generally.

He said the new scheme was being drawn up in recognition of the role played by the military.

Under the new scheme, a Regimental Sergeant Major could earned up to RM7,000 before retirement.

Abdul Latiff said generally soldiers in the country have no problem with the scheme, adding that they were paid their January salaries based on the new scheme.

THE STAR ONLINE