Kuala Lumpur: A total of 1,319 young army recruits who completed their basic training today are the first group to fully benefit from the revised salary scheme under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA). Army Chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan announced that these recruits would receive a starting salary ranging from RM1,710 to RM1,930, depending on their academic qualifications, compared to RM1,610 during their training period, which began on December 1.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Army Chief explained that under the previous Malaysian Remuneration System, recruits were paid RM1,459. This batch is the first to benefit from the new rates, where diploma holders will earn more than those with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). He expressed hope that the new salary scheme would encourage more participation from the community, especially diploma holders, to join the army.
For this intake, Sarawak recorded the highest number of recruits with 243 individuals. By ethnicity, Malays formed the majority with 1,007 individuals, followed by Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak (364), Chinese (five), Indians (18), and Orang Asli (four).
General Muhammad Hafizuddeain emphasized that the army is actively working to increase participation from other ethnic groups. Initiatives include organizing exhibitions, career talks at non-Malay stream schools, and engaging Territorial Army Committee members in every state to promote participation among non-Malays. He noted that economic factors might be the main reason for the lack of interest among youths in joining the armed forces and hoped that the implementation of the SSPA would attract more of them, particularly from non-Malay backgrounds.
He remarked that there are fewer issues with recruitment in Sabah and highlighted the need for more participation from Peninsular Malaysia. He expressed optimism that the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) would encourage more youths to consider the armed forces as a career path.
On a separate note, General Muhammad Hafizuddeain stated that the army would not compromise with any personnel who tarnish the image of the service. He referenced a recent case involving a soldier suspected of molesting a student in Melaka, noting that the individual is still under police remand and that further action will be taken if the individual is found guilty.