KUALA LUMPUR (July 15): The government will address the issue of court interpreters’ salary scale, a factor contributing to a lack of interest in these positions among potential applicants.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran, highlighted that despite 1,000 interpreter positions being advertised this year, only 300 applications were received.

"The lack of interest stems from the demanding multitasking roles required in court, in addition to the unreasonable salary," he said when winding up the debate on the Oaths and Affirmations (Amendment) Bill 2024, which was approved in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

Kulasegaran said he has instructed his officers to arrange a meeting with the Public Service Department to address this issue.

"I have proposed raising the grade from L19 to L22, if the educational requirement of holding a diploma is met," he added.

Kulasegaran expressed concern over the fact that many interpreters hold degrees, and if their salaries were aligned with their qualifications, they would earn salaries comparable to those of magistrates.

He emphasised the need not to penalise qualified individuals, suggesting instead that salaries for magistrates be reviewed.

He said the shortage of interpreters contributes significantly to case delays in court, adding that he received numerous complaints regarding interpreter appointments, issues he had previously raised while serving in the opposition.

In addition, the Dewan Rakyat also passed the Sexual Offences Against Children (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Security Offences (Special Measures) (Amendment) Bill 2024 and amendments to the Armed Forces Act 2024 concerning child witnesses. 

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/719080