The director-general of public services, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, said the number was small compared to the total number of 1.5 million civil servants in the country.

He said those who opted out were in the management, implementers and professionals category, Berita Harian reported.

“We believe that they have special considerations (in deciding not to take up the scheme). The government had held engagements to ensure those who opt out would not regret it later,” he was quoted as saying.

He reiterated that these civil servants will not get to change their minds.

Civil servants had until Nov 30 to decide whether to sign up or remain under the old remuneration system. Those who took up the new scheme would get their revised salaries from December.

In August, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said those who enroll in the new salary scheme would get pay bumps of between 7% and 15%.

He said civil servants in top management will receive a 7% wage hike while those categorised as implementers, managers and professionals will see a 15% pay increase.