KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Service Commission (SPA) is targeting 30,000 civil service appointments this year, up from 25,000 in 2025.
SPA chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Jailani Muhamed Yunus said the target aligns with the need to replace retiring officers and the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure continuity in public service delivery.
He noted that while applications for civil service positions fell by about 200,000 last year compared to 2024, he remains optimistic numbers will rebound in 2026 and 2027.
“Applications to SPA stood at around 1.2 million in 2024 but dropped to one million last year. However, we expect the figure to return to above one million this year,” he told reporters at the Kembara Kerjaya Madani SPA programme in Kuantan today.
Ahmad Jailani attributed the decline to new eligibility requirements under the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which now sets the minimum qualification at the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM).
“The SPM requirement reduced applications from those holding only SRP, PMR or lower qualifications,” he explained.
On the Kuantan programme, held in Pahang for the first time, Ahmad Jailani said it is part of SPA’s ongoing outreach to youth and job seekers.
“The programme ensures young people receive exposure and accurate information on career opportunities in the federal and state public service,” he said.
The event also featured open interviews for persons with disabilities (PWD), Orang Asli candidates and nursing positions, with attendance expected to reach 1,500 participants. – January 25, 2026