Boost for workers, challenge for bosses
KUCHING: The government’s decision to increase the minimum wage to RM1,700 by February 2025 has been met with both optimism and concern. Economist Abu Sofian Yaacob welcomed the move, saying it would boost employee morale and productivity. While acknowledging that some businesses might face short-term cost increases, he argued that the long-term benefits outweigh the […]
Grace periods to implement new minimum wages lauded
KUCHING: Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) thanked the federal government for taking into consideration the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in determining the RM1,700 new minimum wages. “MEF is thankful to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government that understand and take into account the challenges faced by Micro, Small and […]
Thumbs up to proposal to raise minimum wage
BY IDA NADHIRAH KUCHING: The public have expressed agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) proposal to raise Malaysia’s minimum wage to RM2,102 from the current RM1,500. UNICEF recently suggested this increase, considering factors such as living costs, poverty line income and productivity. “Yes, this is because the cost of living has risen significantly […]
Pros and cons of minimum wage increase
KUCHING: There are positive and negative implications when it comes to minimum wage increase. In stating this, Malaysian Future Institute Fellow Datuk Dr Madeline Berma said the increase in minimum wage will raise the income level for low salary workers. “By raising the minimum salary, it will help in reducing hardcore poverty, increase productivity, economic […]
Beware ripple effect of minimum wage increases
KUCHING: A local economist has cautioned that the RM2,102 minimum wage proposed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) will have a ripple effect across various sectors. While the intention behind the policy is to ensure fair wages and improve the standard of living for workers, Dr Dzul Hadzwan Husaini stressed that the reality is […]
Proposed committee to oversee fair wages
KUCHING: The setting up of the Sarawak Salary Committee is being proposed to act the role of examining fair wages in conjunction with the minimum and progressive wages in the state. The proposal from the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has received approval from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and […]
Government ensures minimum wage while promoting progress pay
KUCHING: The government has made clear that the RM1,500 minimum wage will remain despite the introduction of the new proposed progressive wage. Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said that the minimum wage will serve as the foundation of the wage structure, ensuring a fair outcome for everyone involved. “Even with RM1,500, the wage should not […]
Minimum wage: Misgivings remain as reality sets in
KUCHING: The enforcement of a minimum wage of RM1,500 on employers with fewer than five employees starting July 1 will probably not have much impact on businesses in urban areas compared to those in rural areas. Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Sarawak (ACCCIS) secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai however said it is time to […]
SBEU slams MEF for fear-mongering on minimum wage
KUCHING: The Sarawak Bank Employees Union (SBEU) has urged the Malaysia Employers Federation (MEF) to act responsibly and stop spreading fear and false information. The union expressed its disappointment with the employer’s organisation, which is seeking a permanent exemption from minimum wage requirements for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, citing a similar law in […]
Setting of minimum wage requires various inputs
By Lucia Terey Anak John KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum wage should be set based on various aspects, including the job sector, academic qualifications, experience and skills of workers to give justice to all parties, according to the leaders of the country’s two main trade unions. National Association of Skilled Workers secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said […]
