Deadline To Sign Public Service New Renumeration Scheme Stays

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The deadline to return signed offer letters of the Public Service New Renumeration Scheme (SBPA) on 30 December will not be extended, said Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Abu Bakar Abdullah.

However, he said the offer, which was opened today, would only be extended to civil servants on reasonable grounds like being ill or away overseas.

According to him, if the period was extended, it would not be fair to civil servants who receive their annual increments in January or those at maximum salary levels, he told Bernama when contacted here.

Abu Bakar also said the time period given for civil servants to make their selection whether to choose the SBPA or remain with the old scheme, was sufficient.

"I feel whether the period is short or not is up to the respective employee to decide. It is up to them to accept or reject the offer," he said.

He said he also hoped civil servants would make the decision for their own benefit and not to be influenced by any quarters.

Abu Bakar said those who did not accept the SBPA option would stay in the old scheme and would not receive any improvements to the existing scheme.

He also said individuals who join the civil service from January 1 next year would automatically be placed under SBPA.

He added that civil servants who were still not clear about the SBPA could contact the SBPA hotline from 8.30am to 9pm on working days beginning today.

They can contact 03-8885 3293 to enquire about pension and retirement; personnel organisational development and the service scheme at (03-8885 3072); service performance policy and prospects (03-8885 3201/03-8885 3227); allowances, salary and leave and medical benefits (03-8885 3232) while enquiries for other services can be obtained by calling 03-8885 3283.

Civil servants can also direct their enquiries on SBPA to the human resource division in their respective agencies or ministries.

"The PSD is also organising a road tour at the federal and state levels to provide information in the SBPA to civil servants. Today, we are having a briefing in Sabah," he said.