KUCHING: Several quarters, including leaders from both sides of the political divide, have rallied to object to the abolishment of the Critical Service Incentive Payment (BIPK).
Joining the growing chorus criticising the move is Sarawak Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Batu Kawah assemblyman, who is a cardiologist by profession, described the abolishment of the BIPK for new staff members as a rash action that could “destroy” the well-established medical services in the country.
“Many doctors and members of the Malaysian Medical Association have voiced their disbelief and unhappiness following the announcement.
“I am concerned about the move and hope that the federal government would reconsider its position with the association, and take into consideration the medical staff’s needs seriously.
“I worry that such a rash action would destroy the well-established medical services that took years to build, and cause disastrous consequences for patients,” he said in a statement here today.
Dr Sim said allowances, including the critical service incentive, account for about 50 per cent of the monthly income of medical personnel when he served at public hospitals between 1998 and 2010.
He added that the salary of medical doctors in public hospitals is far lower compared to those in private hospitals.
“They (medical doctors at public hospitals) are earning between five and 10 times less compared to the salaries of their peers in private hospitals,” he said.
Dr Sim said he had shared his personal view on the matter with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who had agreed to bring up the issue in Cabinet at the federal level for discussion.
He stressed that the key to an excellent public healthcare system are high quality and experienced medical personnel.
“With the cut, we are expected to lose more experienced personnel and see good ones discouraged from joining. It will be worse for rural medical services in Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim said it is therefore crucial that the Sarawak government continues to pursue autonomous rights for healthcare under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
On Wednesday, the Public Service Department (PSD) announced that civil servants appointed from Jan 1 next year are not entitled to the BIPK.
Those who have been receiving the BIPK will not be affected and will continue to enjoy the critical allowance, according to rates set out in the Service Circular No 17 of 2007, until they leave the service.
As for officers serving on contract, should the contract expire and they are re-appointed through a new agreement to provide continuous, uninterrupted service, they will still be entitled to the BIPK throughout the term, it said in a statement.