The Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia (JANM) has officially announced that the salary payment for civil servants for the month of May 2025 will be brought forward.
This early salary disbursement has been planned to allow public sector employees sufficient time to make necessary preparations for major cultural celebrations taking place at the end of the month. With advance notice, civil servants can also better manage their financial commitments, including monthly expenses, family needs, and festive spending.
Photo via The Edge Malaysia
For the month of May, the significant event on the calendar is the Kaamatan Festival, a traditional harvest celebration observed by the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah. This important cultural event takes place annually on 30 and 31 May, and many Malaysians take part in the festivities.
To accommodate this, public servants will receive their salaries on 22 May 2025, which is two days earlier than the salary date in April. This decision is in line with the government’s ongoing practice of adjusting salary schedules during festive periods to ease the financial burden on its employees.
The revised payment date was stated in the Accountant General’s Circular Number 5 for the Year 2024, which outlines the official schedule and regulations for salary disbursements throughout 2025. The full list includes all monthly salary payment dates for the year, taking into account national holidays and major festivals.
Interestingly, the May salary advance mirrors a similar move earlier in the year, when January salaries were also paid out earlier in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
By informing public servants ahead of time, the government hopes to encourage better financial planning while respecting the cultural significance of Malaysia’s diverse festivals.
This initiative not only reflects administrative efficiency but also acknowledges the importance of supporting public servants in celebrating meaningful occasions with their families and communities.
