By Adib Zalkapli
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 - The 2009 Budget, tabled by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, introduced several perks to the 1.2 billion civil servants in the country. They will get a one-month bonus or a minimum of RM1,000 to be paid in two instalments, in September and December.
Sabah and Sarawak civil servants in the Peninsular will also get free airfares home every year beginning next year. Previously, the facility was provided for every two years.
For government officer, Mohd Azlan Zaharudin, the one-month bonus is sufficient. "I am very happy with the bonus; of course I wish it to be higher, that is human nature, no amount will be enough. But in the present economic situation, every ringgit helps. I just hope that the pump prices won't increase soon," said the father of four.
He added that the two-month instalment would also help civil servants in financial planning."If it is paid in a lump sum, some may finish all the money before the school reopens in January. The two instalments have also been the practice for many years, so I don't think it would cause any problem," he told The Malaysian Insider.
Azlan was also happy with the increase in tax rebates from RM350 to RM400 for those earning below RM35,000 per annum. "Overall I think this budget is about helping the people face the high inflation," he added.
The free airfares every year for East Malaysians also means more disposable income for them. "Even when it was given every two years, I would still go back to Sarawak every year, but I had to use my own money," said administrative assistant, Andrew Minggu. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to his home in Kapit, near Sibu, takes about six hours.
"With the annual free air ticket, I feel appreciated. I think others from Sarawak and Sabah would feel the same too. And I will also have extra money to set aside for rainy days. I have sacrificed a lot leaving my hometown to work in Putrajaya," said Andrew.
"I think the budget is very encouraging. The one month bonus helps a lot, we are facing tough times, any form of assistance is welcomed, although I will only receive RM750 as the payment is in two instalments," he added.
The budget, unveiled by Abdullah, who is also the Finance Minister was seen by many analysts as an attempt to boost his popularity by introducing measures to help Malaysians overcome the problems caused by high inflation. In July, the consumer price index increased by 8.5 percent, the highest in 27 years.
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