Malaysia’s judges to get historic 30% pay rise after 11-year freeze

A landmark decision ends an 11-year pay freeze for Malaysia’s top judges. Will this boost judicial independence and morale?

, and Administrator

2025 December 29 . 12:09 PM

1 min read

In this image we can see people standing on the chairs and some are sitting on the chairs and one... — In this image we can see people standing on the chairs and some are sitting on the chairs and one of them is standing at the podium to which a mic is attached. In the background there are walls and a display screen.

Malaysia’s judges to get historic 30% pay rise after 11-year freeze

Malaysia’s judges will receive a significant pay rise from January 1, 2026. The increase marks the first salary adjustment for the judiciary in over a decade. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong approved the changes after consulting the Chief Justice and using powers under the Judges' Remuneration Act 1971.

The last salary review for judges took place on July 1, 2015. This new adjustment follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement during the Budget 2026 speech.

All judges at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court will see a 30% rise in their monthly pay. Federal Court judges will now earn RM37,050, while Court of Appeal judges receive RM35,750 and High Court judges RM34,450. Judicial commissioners will also benefit, with their salaries set at RM33,150 per month. The Chief Justice of Malaysia will earn RM46,800, while the President of the Court of Appeal will take home RM40,950. Both the Chief Judge of the High Court in Malaya and the Chief Judge of the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak will receive RM39,650, reflecting a 32% increase for the latter to match their counterpart’s pay. The new regulations were officially published in the gazette on December 24, 2025.

The salary increases take effect from January 1, 2026, ending an 11-year gap since the last adjustment. The changes apply to all senior judicial positions, with the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak now earning the same as the Chief Judge of Malaya. The move follows a formal gazette announcement under the Judges' Remuneration Act.