PM: RM800 allowance for interns in govt, GLCs

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced that a minimum of RM800 in allowance will be given to interns working in the government and government-linked agencies (GLCs).

“This suggestion was given to me by a Form Six student.

“Although we need the input from economic experts, sometimes Form Six students would give us better ideas and we have to refine,” he said in his opening speech during an engagement session for the 2024 Budget at the Finance Ministry today.

Also, present at the session were deputy finance ministers Ahmad Maslan and Steven Sim.

However, he did not announce the commencement date.

While acknowledging that traditionally, interns do not receive any payment, Anwar said the allowance is essential, especially for those who come from poor and underprivileged families.

“In fact, in some of my dialogues at universities, they pleaded that (when) they finish their studies, there won’t be any more loans and assistance from the (PTPTN) National Higher Education Fund Corporation.

“So they have to depend on their parents,” he added.

He also called on the private sector to follow suit in paying allowances to their interns.

In a separate press conference, Ahmad Maslan expressed hope for the GLCs to implement this policy immediately.

“They are being ‘willingly forced’.

“When the government has made the announcement, GLCs are under the government, and it is considered something that needs to be done by the GLCS.

“As for the rest, like private companies, let’s wait for the announcement during the tabling of Budget 2024,” he said.

Asked if it would impact the GLCs with such a sudden announcement, Ahmad said it would not have much effect as there are not many interns hired to work in the companies.

He also confirmed that the Budget 2024 will be tabled on October 13 this year.

The budget is traditionally tabled on the last Friday of October.

“As usual, it's the fourth week of the month. It is not wrong to bring it a week forward than usual.

“Because there are a lot of matters pertaining to the tabling of bills that will be done before and after the budget is tabled.

“So we want to give it more time,” he explained.

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COMMENT | No, interns do not deserve salary