In alignment with Malaysia’s civil service reform, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) implemented the Public Service Remuneration System (Sistem Saraan Perkhidmatan Awam, SSPA) effective 1 December 2024, following the Government’s approval on 28 October 2024. Under this new remuneration structure, IIUM adopted the national minimum wage of RM1,700 per month, ensuring compliance with the statutory minimum wage standard. Malaysia currently does not define an official living wage, and while the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has proposed an indicative living wage of approximately RM3,100, this figure is not formally recognised by the Government. Therefore, IIUM’s remuneration structure aligns with the officially mandated minimum wage policy. The implementation was formally circulated through IIUM’s Management Services Division (MSD) Staff Service Circular No. 1/2025, which operationalises SSPA Phase 1 across all university employment categories.
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) upholds the principles of freedom of association and collective representation for its employees through four recognised staff associations that represent different employment categories across the university. These are the Academic Staff Association (ASA), the Professional and Management Association (PMA), the Kesatuan Kakitangan Sokongan 1 (KESATU), and the Kesatuan Kakitangan Am (KURNIA). Together, these associations ensure that academic, professional, and support staff, including women and international employees, are represented in matters relating to employment welfare, working conditions, and institutional dialogue. The recognition of these associations reflects IIUM’s commitment to fair employment practices, inclusivity, and respect for the right of association, in line with THE Impact Rankings Indicator 8.2.2 on recognising unions and collective bargaining rights for all staff, including women and international employees.
ASA represented IIUM in the meeting between the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, and the Malaysian Council of Academic Associations Presidents’ Majlis Presiden Persatuan Akademik Malaysia (MPPA). The purpose of the meeting was to have a dialogue with the minister on issues related to the welfare of academics and the future direction of higher education in Malaysia.
The Professional and Management Association (PMA) of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) organised the PMA Mobility Programme 2023 – Knowledge Sharing Session on 8 March 2024, following the association’s international visit to Istanbul, Türkiye. The session, held via Zoom communication platform, provided a venue for members to exchange insights, best practices, and experiences gained from the mobility programme conducted from 11 to 18 September 2023. This initiative reflects IIUM’s recognition of staff associations as key agents for professional growth, collaboration, and empowerment across all employment levels.
The Union of Support Staff (Kesatuan Kakitangan Sokongan 1 (KESATU) IIUM held its 9th Biennial General Meeting for the 2024–2026 session on 25 September 2024 at the Main Auditorium, IIUM Gombak. The event was attended by key representatives from IIUM management and national union bodies, including Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public Service (CUEPACS) and President’s Council and Honorary Secretaries of the University Staff Union (GAKUM), reflecting institutional recognition of staff unions and their role in representing employee welfare and rights. Through KESATU, IIUM reaffirms its support for freedom of association and collective engagement among its support staff, ensuring that their voices are included in decision-making processes concerning employment and working conditions
All employees have access to a fair and transparent appeal process concerning employment rights and remuneration matters. This process is governed by the Academic Staff Selection Committee (ASSC) and the Administrative Staff Selection Committee (AGSSC) Regulations, administered by the Management Services Division (MSD). These regulations outline formal procedures for staff to appeal decisions related to service matters, salary adjustments, and employment rights. Through these established mechanisms, IIUM provides an impartial and structured platform for review and redress, reflecting its commitment to fair employment governance.
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) recognises and protects labour rights for all employees through compliance with Malaysia’s Employment Act 1955 and Industrial Relations Act 1967, which guarantee fair employment practices and freedom of association. While formal collective bargaining in the same manner as the private sector is limited due to the public service nature of public universities, IIUM ensures that academic and non-academic staff have the right to unionise and make representations regarding their terms and conditions of employment within the established legal and governmental frameworks. In alignment with these national frameworks, IIUM formally acknowledges four active staff associations representing different employment categories—the Academic Staff Association (ASA), Professional and Management Association (PMA), Kesatuan Kakitangan Sokongan 1 (KESATU), and Kesatuan Kakitangan Am (KURNIA). These associations ensure that academic, professional, and support staff, including women and international employees, are represented in institutional dialogue and employment matters.
