Kuala lumpur: The government has announced changes to the working hours and overtime allowance claims with the introduction of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which will be effective from December 1, 2024. The adjustments were communicated through a circular issued by the Public Service director-general, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, dated December 18, and shared on the Public Service Department's Facebook page.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the changes are outlined in the Human Resource Service Circular, specifically Ceraian SR.4.3.1 and SR.4.4.1. The weekly working hours for officers in the Non-Office Working Hours category (WBBP) have been reduced to 45 hours per week, including break time, aligning with the Office Working Hours. This circular was distributed to State Public Services, Statutory Bodies, and Local Authorities.

The circular also provides guidelines for ministries, departments, and agencies on implementing overtime allowance claims, attached to Ceraian SR.4.3.1, and reflects amendments in Ceraian SR.4.4.1. Officers under the WBBP category have been granted flexibility in calculating their working hours, allowing them to fulfill the total of 45 hours a week on average over four consecutive weeks if they fall short in any particular week.

Additionally, officers working more than 45 hours a week, or on average over four consecutive weeks, are eligible for overtime allowances based on specific conditions and rates.