PUBLIC broadcasting station Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has announced that all outstanding salaries for part-timers hired on a piecemeal basis will be resolved by the end of this month.
In a statement shared by its Director-General of Broadcasting, Suhaimi Sulaiman, on X (formerly known as Twitter), RTM said that the Finance Ministry (MOF) is in the final stages of approving a special payment rate for its part-timers.
"RTM had previously submitted an application to the MOF following the cancellation of all previous approvals by the ministry in a letter dated 24th June 2024, which affected procurement rates for non-civil servants.
"With the MOF's approval, payments for part-time services will be more organised and will adhere to government procurement procedures.
"All outstanding payments for part-time employees will be cleared this month," the statement read.
On Monday, The Malaysian Insight reported that part-time workers at RTM had not received their salaries since June.
Sources indicated that there are more than 700 part-time employees nationwide who were hired for various tasks on a piecemeal basis. They claimed they had been informed that RTM was awaiting government funds to pay them.
However, Suhaimi clarified that the actual number of unpaid staff was 332.
Another source confirmed the situation to The Malaysian Insight, stating that those working on a part-time basis had indeed not been paid. The source also mentioned that some colleagues were struggling financially due to the delayed payments and alleged that they had been told to quit if they were unhappy with the situation.
Several piecemeal workers expressed their relief at RTM's prompt response to the issue.
"Finally, a black and white statement on the matter. Phew, what a relief," said one employee who works with RTM as a part-timer.
Another part-timer thanked The Malaysian Insight for bringing attention to the issue and praised Suhaimi for his swift handling of the matter. – August 19, 2024.
