Civil Service Retirement Age Raise Under Consultation – KPPA

KOTA BHARU, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The proposal to raise the retirement age for civil servants to 65 is under stakeholder consultation, said Public Service Department (JPA) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the proposal calls for a study on the feasibility of extending the retirement age.

“So far, JPA has held consultations with various stakeholders, including the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) and retirees’ associations, to collect initial feedback.

“Since this is an unusual measure, careful study is needed to ensure any decision benefits all parties,” he told reporters after visiting Kelantan state retirees today.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan noted that CUEPACS has expressed both support and opposition.

“At this stage, diverse perspectives are being considered so the final decision has positive implications for civil servants and the nation. The consultation and study process is ongoing and a decision will be made only after the review is complete,” he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the 13MP presentation in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, said the mandatory retirement age would be reviewed in line with Malaysia’s ageing population.

The review will consider financial implications and employment opportunities before any decision is finalised.

In May, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said proposed raising the retirement age from 60 to 65, noting that individuals at this age remain healthy and capable of contributing productively.

The current mandatory retirement age for civil servants is 60, matching the minimum retirement age in the private sector under the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012.

During his visit, Wan Ahmad Dahlan met retirees including Che Hasdi Musa, 69, of Padang Bongor, and a retired couple, Muhamad Zanini Mahamood, 71, and his wife Wan Noriah Wan Ramli, 69, from Kubang Kerian.

Che Hasdi, relying on a bed loaned by a non-governmental organisation since becoming bedridden in March due to prostate illness and a blood clot in the brain, thanked JPA for the assistance.

“I am very grateful for the help from JPA and for Wan Ahmad Dahlan’s visit. His presence has given new spirit to me and my family,” he said, praising the government’s attention to retirees facing health challenges.

-- BERNAMA