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New Straits Times

MySTEP move means no job security for price monitoring officers, says Cuepcas

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) opposes the proposal to transfer price monitoring officers under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to the the MySTEP scheme. Cuepacs president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat said the move would erode their job security and welfare. Adnan said price monitoring officers had been serving since 2008 under the Contract for Service system, but are now being proposed for transfer to MySTEP. He said the move would mean officers would get a lower grade, as well as no job security and welfare benefits. Adnan said these officers played a crucial role in monitoring the price movement of 480 goods (stock keeping units — SKU). "In addition, they are involved in key government programmes, including the Essential Goods Distribution Programme, Jualan Rahmah Madani, the Buy Malaysian Products campaign, Price Catcher app promotion and consumer advocacy efforts. "These duties are vital in ensuring price stability and preventing price manipulation that could burden the public," he said. Adnan was speaking at a press conference after a Hari Raya celebration in Chendering here today. He said price monitoring officers had been on contract for 18 years without any salary increment or career progression. He said shifting officers to MySTEP would mean they would be on short-term contracts without job stability, and lose benefits such as annual leave and access to medical care enjoyed by civil servants. Adnan said the scheme would not include Employees Provident Fund or the Social Security Organisation contributions. He said this would mean officers would lack retirement savings and social security protection. "The majority of price monitoring officers hold degree-level qualifications with a monthly salary of around RM2,400, and the MySTEP scheme does not guarantee income growth. "The current challenging economic climate will significantly impact the officers, especially those with families and dependants," he said. Adnan said in the past 18 years, various proposals had been submitted so that price monitoring officers had stable employment, but no concrete action had been taken. "We demand that price monitoring officers be granted permanent positions or at least be upgraded to Contract for Service status. "The salaries of price monitoring officers should be ... increased in line with the rising cost of living, and the officers should be provided with leave and medical benefits similar to other public servants. "Price monitoring officers must be entitled to EPF and Perkeso contributions to ensure they have adequate social protection and retirement savings," he said. Adnan urged the government to reconsider the decision, and defend the welfare and job stability of these officers.