President Azih Muda said this included taking into account the fixed allowances as a part of the salary in calculating the income for a housing loan, whether through the government or bank loan.

“This is because, today, only the basic salary is taken into account in calculating the income for a housing loan. It will cause many civil servants to be unable to afford a house.

“If the fixed allowances are taken into account, it will help the civil servants, especially for those who are confirmed in their position, to apply for a housing loan and possibly complete repayment of the loan at the end of their service,” he told reporters after opening the Sabah Cuepacs Triennial Delegates Conference, here, today.

Azih hoped that the government would look into the matter as civil servants, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, were not eligible to own a home as house prices were going up in both states.

“The housing issue is the most important one in our country. There is no point if we work and get a salary but do not own a home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azih also wants the government to fix a more appropriate and flexible regional allowance rates in line with the current rising cost of living.

Azih also said Cuepacs would hold a meeting with Prime Minister Najib Razak to discuss giving a month’s bonus to the 1.6 million civil servants in preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He said a meeting to convey the message would be held in the near future.

“We hope the prime minister will consider,” he said.

Cuepacs was confident giving a month’s bonus would be a boost to the productivity of the civil servants besides assisting them in making preparations for Raya celebrations this year, he said.

– BERNAMA