Salary Increase Not An Excuse For Excessive Spending

By Norhayati Mohd Akhir & Muhammad Adil Muzaffar Mohd Fisol

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Amid the excitement of anticipating 'new figures' on the December pay slip, civil servants are reminded to continue practising frugality and avoid unnecessary spending.

Sharing his view, Mohd Khusairi Harun, 43, said that a salary increase is not a ticket to spend recklessly without considering the need to save, especially as a preparation for emergency situations.

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Mohd Khusairi, who has served in the public sector for 18 years, said that spending on non-essential items should be avoided as it risks leading to new debt.

"For example, when rumours of a salary increase circulate, car advertisements offering attractive promotions start appearing on social media. We need to be wise, and if the existing car is still in good condition, it’s better to keep using it.

"Saving should be a priority, and we should continue to be frugal even though salaries will increase in two phases starting this December, as we don’t know what the future holds," he told Bernama.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced a salary adjustment to civil servants, which will be implemented in phases, starting from Dec 1, 2024, for Phase 1, and from Jan 1, 2026, for Phase 2. 

Mohd Khusairi also hopes that this increase would not lead to a rise in the prices of essential goods, as this would burden all groups, including private sector workers.

Similarly, Nur Dini Ayob, 41, said that the attitude of being frugal, spending wisely, and managing finances well should be practised by all levels of society to avoid making mistakes.

The assistant environmental health officer, who has served for 14 years, said she received several promotions, such as for cars and home renovation services, but decided not to take them up.

"I already have a car, and my house doesn't need any renovations as everything is still in good condition. Furthermore, my salary isn't very high, and I hope to remain steadfast in managing my finances," she said.

The mother of one said she wants to practise good financial management by prioritising the needs and interests of her family.

Meanwhile, a clerical assistant in a ministry, Syukri Ibrahim, 33, said that the salary increase would ease his financial burden and allow him to save.

Having served for seven years, he hopes to take his family on a domestic holiday, which had previously been limited due to financial constraints.

"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful for the announcement of this salary increase as it will reduce my family's financial burden," said the father of two.

-- BERNAMA