Community rehabilitation centres now determine their own allowance rates, with some paying above minimum wage, following management transfer to NGOs
KUALA LUMPUR: Community-Based Rehabilitation Centres nationwide have demonstrated increased operational independence and flexibility.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri told Parliament that PDKs can now set their own allowance rates for supervisors and staff.
This follows a 2018 audit recommendation that transferred management from government control to registered organisations and NGOs.
“Some PDKs pay more than the government’s monthly subsidy of RM1,200,” she said during today’s question-and-answer session.
“Certain centres even offer wages above the minimum rate of RM1,700 per month.”
This reflects the centres’ ability to function creatively while safeguarding staff welfare.
Management authority now rests with NGOs registered with the Registrar of Societies.
These organisations determine allowances based on their individual financial capacity.
Nancy was responding to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas who inquired about allowance structure reviews.
She clarified that while the government isn’t the direct employer, it remains committed to assistance.
Allowances for PDK workers increased from RM800 to between RM1,200 and RM1,700 after minimum wage adjustments.
“These are allowances rather than salaries, but the government still provides assistance,” she explained.
Since 2021, the ministry has provided various subsidies to support PDK staff and trainees.
Supervisors’ allowances rose from RM1,200 to RM1,500 monthly while staff allowances increased from RM800 to RM1,200.
Current government financial assistance covers 126 hours at the minimum wage rate.
More than RM140 million has been allocated for PDK programmes this year. – Bernama
