CUEPACS Calls For COLA Review To Reflect Current Living Costs

KUALA NERUS, Nov 27 (Bernama) - The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for civil servants must be reviewed to ensure it reflects the current rise in living costs, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said. 

He said feedback received indicates that the existing COLA rates are no longer relevant, particularly as payments are still divided into three tiers based on the officer’s location of placement.

“It should be standardised because the cost of living is the same everywhere, with the same goods sold at the same prices. Therefore, the need to equalise the payment must be re-examined and revised to match the current cost-of-living situation,” he said.

He told reporters this after officiating the ‘Inspirasi Reformasi Pembantu Tadbir MADANI 2025’ programme here today.

Adnan said further discussions are underway with the relevant authorities to ensure civil servants' welfare continues to be safeguarded.

“That is what we have voiced out (regarding the review of COLA), and we have been informed that it is part of the next phase. We are now studying this phase to prepare our counterproposals, which will be presented to the Public Service Department (JPA),” he said.

Meanwhile, Adnan said CUEPACS continues to push for permanent appointments for contract staff, including through ongoing negotiations with the government to resolve the matter.

“In our struggle, we want these workers to be granted permanent positions. In the future, permanent posts will be categorised as contributory permanent appointments.

“We believe this type of permanent appointment will not burden the government and could instead create more opportunities for new positions, as it differs from the existing pension-based scheme for civil servants,” he said.

He added that priority should be given to long-serving contract workers who have demonstrated strong performance, so that their positions can be reviewed accordingly.

“So these contract workers need not worry, just continue showing good performance and capability so they can be considered (for permanent absorption),” he said.

-- BERNAMA