Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed hope that the proposal to absorb contract staff of the Community Development Department (KEMAS) into permanent positions will be included in the 2026 Budget. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, stated that the plan is currently under discussion and, if implemented, would not require the creation of new positions or lead to additional expenditure.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the implementation of this proposal could serve as a benchmark for converting other contract positions into permanent roles without pension benefits. He emphasized the importance of expediting the process, provided it brings benefits and avoids controversies, suggesting its inclusion in the 2026 Budget.

Earlier in the day, Ahmad Zahid officiated the Perak KEMAS Santunan Desa Programme alongside the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) and the KEMAS Community at Dewan Besar Bandar Baru Felcra Seberang Perak. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, Special Officer to the Perak Menteri Besar for the Kampung Gajah state constituency, Khairul Azwan Harun, who also serves as Chairman of the Pasir Salak Parliamentary KEMAS Community, and KEMAS Director-General Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man.

On February 27, KEMAS Director-General Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man announced that the department was in the process of submitting a proposal to the Public Service Department (JPA) to convert approximately 15,600 contract staff nationwide into permanent positions.