10/03/2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Develop promotion pathway for Grade 1 civil servants: PM

Citizens in gulf region still being evacuated Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Public Service Department (PSD) to develop a promotion pathway for Grade 1 civil servants, a move expected to benefit about 125,000 staff members. The initiative is aimed at improving career mobility and progression for lower-grade civil servants such as administrative, clerical and finance assistants who form a large segment of the public sector workforce. Anwar said while salary adjustments had been implemented under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), further measures were needed to uplift those in the lower pay brackets. “I know the number involved is about 125,000 people. Although there were increases under SSPA, there is still a need to improve the situation of those in the lower categories. “So I have asked the PSD to prepare a promotion pathway from Grade 1 to Grade 5 for 125,000 Administrative, Clerical and Finance o Initiative aims to improve career mobility for about 125,000 lower-grade staff members such as administrative, clerical and finance assistants Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

with procedures conducted under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma). Authorities confirmed the suspects are expected to face several charges in court this week, including promoting terrorist groups via social media and possessing materials linked to extremist organisations. Investigations are ongoing. – By Faiz Ruzman PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian government is racing to evacuate its citizens from conflict-affected countries in West Asia and the Middle East, following escalating security threats in the region. The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that the operation is being carried out under the direct instruction of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who has ordered all relevant agencies to act immediately to safeguard Malaysians abroad. “The government is committed to ensuring the safe repatriation of all Malaysians in the affected areas,” the NSC said in a statement. The NSC is working closely with the Foreign Ministry and Malaysia’s diplomatic missions overseas. Both agencies will provide regular updates until all citizens have safely returned home. As of yesterday, 649 Malaysians remain stranded across several Middle Eastern countries. According to the ministry, 24,568 Malaysians have registered via the e-Konsular system as of 6pm on March 7, allowing authorities to track their locations and provide timely assistance. The current focus is on helping those stranded due to travel disruptions and facilitating their return via available commercial flights. The Cabinet has also approved a contingency evacuation plan should the security situation worsen. Countries involved in the evacuation effort include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkiye, with support from local authorities and airline operators. In Saudi Arabia, 243 Malaysians, mostly umrah pilgrims, remain stranded while in the UAE 176 are still receiving assistance in Dubai and 25 in Abu Dhabi. Oman has seen a sharp drop in stranded citizens, from 190 to just five, following recent departures. Malaysians in the area are urged to register or update their details via the e-Konsular system to ensure access to evacuation and consular support. The ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya remains active 24 hours a day and can be contacted at +603-8887 4570 or dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.

Anwar, accompanied by (from left) Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, launching the Rahmah Madani app during the event in Putrajaya yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

food and animal feed, destined for this region are currently stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. “When the Strait of Hormuz is closed and Red Sea routes restricted, transportation costs can double or even triple.” He stressed that households should remain cautious with spending and prepare for possible economic uncertainties. “When the economy is good we must remember that there may also be difficult times ahead,” he said. – By Faiz Ruzman for 2026 that I announced in the Budget will be paid on March 13. Civil servants in Grade 56 and below, including contract officers, will receive RM500 each. “This also includes government pensioners and veterans, whether pensioned or non-pensioned, who will receive RM250 on the same date.” He added that other groups would also receive the one-off aid. “ Imam , bilal , mosque officials, Quranic and fardhu-ain teachers as well as takmir personnel, about 70,000 people, will also receive the special assistance of RM500 each.”

qualifications and a little exposure to IT. It may be around two weeks or so. If you want a higher promotion but refuse training, that would not make sense.” Anwar said the government aims to complete the training process within six months, allowing the promotion exercise to be implemented in stages once preparations are finalised. He reiterated that the Special Financial Assistance for 2026, announced in the Budget, would be disbursed later this month. “The Special Financial Assistance

Assistants,” he said yesterday during his address at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. Under the proposal, eligible officers would be required to attend a short training programme before qualifying for promotion. Anwar said the course, expected to last two to three weeks, would equip officers with updated competencies, including exposure to information technology. “The only condition is attending a course. The requirement is simply a short course to provide some

‘Ensure subsidised cooking oil only benefits Malaysians’ PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for strict enforcement against the misuse and smuggling of subsidised cooking oil following the government’s ban on the sale of 1kg packets to non-citizens. The measure, which came into effect on March 1, aims to ensure that government subsidies benefit Malaysians instead of being diverted elsewhere. “This is entirely appropriate. Subsidies should not be given to non citizens,”Anwar said during an address to staff of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry yesterday. “We provide substantial subsidies for the people, but sometimes these items are purchased in large quantities by foreigners and resold outside the country. That is why enforcement must be effective.” “We implemented similar measures earlier under electricity and fuel subsidy programmes. Enforcement must be effective. Any attempt to smuggle supplies should be met with firm action. Responsibilities should be carried out properly.”

Anwar also warned that ongoing developments in global energy markets could affect domestic costs, urging Malaysians to be prudent in managing their finances. “Three hundred tankers carrying oil, gas and essential goods, including

Anwar said the move follows similar steps taken by the government to prevent other subsidy programmes from being misused.

“Beginning March 1, we enforced the ban on the sale and purchase of subsidised cooking oil in 1kg packets to non-citizens.

Anwar warns about teens being involved in extremist ideology PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has warned of a disturbing trend of teenagers being involved in activities linked to extremist ideology, describing it as a reflection of serious gaps in the upbringing of young Malaysians. “Recently, even schoolchildren in their teens were involved in preparations for violent activities as announced by the IGP. This raises concerns about the upbringing of our young people and the influences they are exposed to.” importance of national unity and sound governance in safeguarding the nation’s stability. to maintaining peace and stability. Earlier, Mohd Khalid revealed that six males, aged between 16 and 21, had been detained in connection with activities linked to the dissemination of extremist ideology associated with the Islamic State. He said three of the suspects are teenagers. offences,

“There are foreign elements driven by jealousy and resentment that may attempt to interfere in our national affairs,” he added, warning that internal weaknesses could be exploited if vigilance wanes. Anwar urged Malaysians to strengthen unity, improve governance and remain committed

He was speaking to the staff of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. Anwar stressed that the incident should serve as a reminder of the

He referred to a case, disclosed on March 6 by IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, in which teenagers were suspected of involvement in extremist plots.

Police said the suspects are being investigated under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code for terrorism-related