Latest news with #CongressofUnionsofEmployeesinthePublicandCivilServices
Malaysiakini
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Cuepacs urges MTUC to end leadership crisis after ILC no-show
The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) has urged the Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) to resolve a 'leadership crisis'. This has culminated in a non-representation of workers at the 2025 International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. Cuepacs secretary-general Abdul Rahman Nordin claimed...
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Over RM1.5 million in PHEKS 2025 aid approved for 114 Southern Zone applications
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of RM1.5 million has been approved for 114 applications from the Southern Zone under the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS), said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. He said the amount marked a significant increase from the RM674,000 disbursed for 85 applications in the same zone in 2024, reflecting the growing participation in the ministry's empowerment programmes. 'For the Southern Zone, which covers Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, 195 applications amounting to over RM3 million have been received so far,' he added. 'Out of the total, 114 applications have been approved, involving an allocation of RM1,505,462,' he told reporters after officiating the Southern Zone PHEKS 2025 Assistance presentation ceremony here today. Also present were JHEKS director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) deputy president II Azman Shah Abdul Rahman, and Union Network International-Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohammed Shafie BP Mammal. Abdul Rahman said Johor received the highest allocation, amounting to RM703,565 for 61 applications, followed by Negeri Sembilan with RM441,900 for 32 applications, and Melaka with RM359,998 for 21 applications. He also emphasised that the annual allocation to trade unions under the PHEKS programme has steadily increased over the past three years, underscoring the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of unions as strategic partners in the national labour ecosystem. 'In 2023, the government allocated RM2.6 million. This increased to RM5.8 million in 2024, and for this year, RM10 million has been set aside to empower trade unions nationwide. 'We hope this figure will continue to grow, surpassing RM10 million in 2026,' he said. At the same event, Abdul Rahman also presented assistance to union representatives and officiated the launch of two research publications on trade unions titled 'The Role of Trade Unions in Combating Forced Labour Issue in Malaysia' and 'SSPA: Heading to a More Secure Retirement'. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in a statement, disclosed that trade union membership in Malaysia has now surpassed 1 million, with 1,038,435 registered members across 762 unions as of 2024.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Over RM1.5 million in PHEKS 2025 aid approved
JOHOR BAHRU: A total of RM1.5 million has been approved for 114 applications from the Southern Zone under the 2025 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS), said Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad. He said the amount marked a significant increase from the RM674,000 disbursed for 85 applications in the same zone in 2024, reflecting the growing participation in the ministry's empowerment programmes. 'For the Southern Zone, which covers Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, 195 applications amounting to over RM3 million have been received so far,' he added. 'Out of the total, 114 applications have been approved, involving an allocation of RM1,505,462,' he told reporters after officiating the Southern Zone PHEKS 2025 Assistance presentation ceremony here today. Also present were JHEKS director-general Mohd Asri Abdul Wahab, Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) deputy president II Azman Shah Abdul Rahman, and Union Network International-Malaysian Liaison Council (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohammed Shafie BP Mammal. Abdul Rahman said Johor received the highest allocation, amounting to RM703,565 for 61 applications, followed by Negeri Sembilan with RM441,900 for 32 applications, and Melaka with RM359,998 for 21 applications. He also emphasised that the annual allocation to trade unions under the PHEKS programme has steadily increased over the past three years, underscoring the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of unions as strategic partners in the national labour ecosystem. 'In 2023, the government allocated RM2.6 million. This increased to RM5.8 million in 2024, and for this year, RM10 million has been set aside to empower trade unions nationwide. 'We hope this figure will continue to grow, surpassing RM10 million in 2026,' he said. At the same event, Abdul Rahman also presented assistance to union representatives and officiated the launch of two research publications on trade unions titled 'The Role of Trade Unions in Combating Forced Labour Issue in Malaysia' and 'SSPA: Heading to a More Secure Retirement'. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in a statement, disclosed that trade union membership in Malaysia has now surpassed 1 million, with 1,038,435 registered members across 762 unions as of 2024.
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Raising the retirement age will benefit younger generation, too
RECENTLY, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said proposed that the government raise the retirement age to 65. Is this the right response to Malaysia's ageing population? Globally, the average retirement age was around 65 in 2020, with many countries already pushing beyond this. Australia has set its retirement age at 67 and Canada and Brazil at 65, with Singapore gradually increasing its re-employment age from 65 to 70. Malaysia last revised its mandatory retirement age to 60. In 2015, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services proposed an increase to 62 for civil servants. A good example is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who continues to lead the country at the age of 78. On the other side of the world, Warren Buffett, at the age of 94, remains the chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world's largest investment firms. Employment trends in Malaysia show that when older workers are engaged, youth employment also rises. The same trend has been observed in many Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden and Japan. Older and younger workers bring different strengths. While older workers offer experience, maturity and institutional knowledge, younger workers bring innovation and adaptability to new technology. Rather than competing, these two generations can complement each other. Together, they create a well-managed, inclusive workforce that benefits the economy. Extending the retirement age should not be seen as a barrier to youth employment or promotion. It's a mistake to believe that older workers will block their career progression. The reality is that the number of older adults is increasing and they will soon outnumber youths. We need this group to remain economically active. Our workforce simply isn't large enough to rely on young people alone. Without the older adults, we risk facing a severe shortage of labour in critical sectors. The retirement policies we decide on today will directly affect the same young Malaysians once they are in their 50s and 60s. If we don't act now, they too may face a financially insecure old age. Also, can most Malaysians afford to retire at 60? According to Khazanah Research Institute and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) data, only 36 per cent of EPF members meet the basic savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55. This amount would allow only moderate monthly expenses for around 15 years. But what happens after that? Malaysia's life expectancy stands at 78.2 years for men and 80.9 for women. That means, on average, Malaysians need savings that can last 18 to 20 years after retirement. Without sufficient retirement savings, older adults face financial insecurity. Stretching the retirement age, with the right support in place, will allow older people to remain financially independent. Raising the retirement age isn't about forcing everyone to work longer. It's about helping those who can and want to remain active, financially independent, and socially engaged. It should be based on individual capacity and willingness. Working longer is not a punishment. It is the key to a secure retirement and continued social engagement. We must begin viewing older adults not as dependents, but as a valuable asset to the nation. Stretching the retirement age is not simply a policy choice: it's a necessary conversation about how we value older people in society. It is time we embraced a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to ageing and employment that recognises the reality of our demographic transition and empowers Malaysians of all ages. To the younger generation, this policy is not a threat to your place in the workforce. One day, you, too, will reach that phase and hopefully still be healthy, capable and wanting to contribute.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cuepacs: Not all can work till 65
KUALA LUMPUR: The government should provide civil servants the option to retire at 60 if it plans to raise the mandatory retirement age to 65, said the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs). Secretary-general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin said while raising the retirement age may offer certain benefits, it could pose mental and physical challenges for some. He said some civil servants might face serious health issues if they were required to continue working into their later years. "However, extending the retirement age to 65 is subjective and depends on individual and social factors. "Some welcome the move as a chance to stay active and continue contributing, but many prefer early retirement for their health and a more balanced life. "Many women, in fact, would prefer to retire at 55, which was the previous mandatory retirement age." gn4id:60960598 Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had, on Tuesday, called on the government to consider revising the mandatory retirement age from 60 to 65, as many people at that age remain healthy and were experienced. Azalina said her suggestion was in line with the concept of "active ageing", adding that many older Malaysians remained active and energetic well into their senior years. She said several countries, including some of Malaysia's neighbours, had implemented higher retirement age thresholds. Rahman said flexible retirement options would help civil servants plan their future. "For those in good health, extending the retirement age to 65 can be advantageous. "It allows them to develop their experience and skills while continuing to contribute to their organisations. "Longer employment also strengthens financial security and provides better preparation for retirement." The Malaysian Employers Federation said the government must ensure that a well-structured and comprehensive strategy was in place before considering raising the retirement age. Its president, Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, said: "In principle, it is a sound idea, as people today are living longer and leading healthier lives. 'We should explore ways to keep them employed, provided their skills and knowledge remain relevant and in demand. "However, if we retain employees for longer periods, what will happen to promotion opportunities for younger staff? "We must ensure that while we aim to retain experienced workers, business growth is also encouraged so that both goals can be met." Syed Hussain said the employment challenges faced by young graduates could worsen if job openings were delayed by longer employee tenures. "If people remain in their roles longer, it reduces openings for fresh graduates as vacancies are postponed. "Therefore, another solution would be to attract more investment, allowing the economy to generate additional jobs and absorb new entrants into the workforce. "Most vacancies arise through retirements or business expansion. "If these areas are addressed effectively, retaining healthy and capable individuals beyond the retirement age could be a viable option." With Malaysia expected to become an ageing nation by 2035, Syed Hussain stressed the need for flexible arrangements for older employees. However, he cautioned against a one-size-fits-all approach. "Only those who are healthy, fit for duty and possess skills relevant to the workforce should be considered." He said certain roles, due to their physically demanding nature or specialised requirements, might not be suitable for older employees. "Technological advancements are reshaping many industries, with some roles becoming obsolete or automated. "Furthermore, some basic jobs can be handled more efficiently by artificial intelligence and other technologies." In Malaysia, the retireent age for civil servants has been revised three times over the past two decades through amendments to the Pensions Act 1980 — raised from 55 to 56 in 2001, to 58 in 2008 and then to 60 in 2012. In the private sector, the Minimum Retirement Age Act 2012 sets the retirement age at 60.
