PM, Cabinet Ministers & Deputies to Forgo 3 Months of Salaries to Fight Against Covid-19

By Karissa Lund  •  01 Jun 2021 in News

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

Yesterday (31 May), Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced that all ministers and their deputies will be giving three months’ worth of their salaries to show solidarity for the frontliners and Malaysians as the country continues its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the PM’s live public address, the pay cut will begin next month in June 2021. He made the announcement while unveiling the government’s latest aid package ahead of the total lockdown coming into force at midnight.

Among the aid measures laid out were loan moratoriums for those in the B40 group, as well as those who have been laid off or small businesses that could not operate during the lockdown. Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat recipients are also getting extra aid.

The lockdown was announced as Covid-19 numbers surged to record highs in May. However, he said whether or not the lockdown was effective depended on the people and divine will. He reminded the people to stay at home and follow SOPs.

“The decision to implement a lockdown was a difficult one, but it has to be done. If you fail to follow instructions, then we will all fail,” he said.

Muhyiddin also prayed for a speedy recovery among the Covid-19 patients and extended condolences to the families of those who have succumbed to the virus.

Back in March 2020, the cabinet ministers had made a similar move where it gave up two months salary. According to The Edge, the two-month pay cut is estimated to be worth RM1.8 million based on the cabinet size of one prime minister, 32 ministers and 37 deputy ministers.

According to the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980, a Prime Minister is entitled to a monthly salary of RM22,826.65 while the Deputy Prime Minister is entitled to draw a salary of RM18,168.15.

Ministers can get a monthly salary of RM14,907.20 and their deputies are entitled to RM10,847.65 per month. The mentioned figures exclude allowances and other benefits.