THERE are still unscrupulous employers failing to comply with the RM1,500 minimum wage order that came into effect two years ago, said Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani.
Effendy stated that MTUC has urged the government to be more aggressive in identifying employers who persistently evade compliance or seek ways to reduce wage costs.
“As stated by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, while presenting the White Paper on Progressive Wage Policy in Parliament last year, there is still 10% of formal workers receiving wages below the minimum rate of RM1,500 per month,” he said at a press conference in Ipoh last night (April 30).
The press conference was held after the MTUC dinner and 2024 Labour Day celebration. Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs, and National Integration Committee chairperson A Sivanesan was also present.
Previously, the 2022 minimum wage order took effect on May 1, 2022, setting a basic of RM1,500 per month for all sectors, irrespective of location, applying to employers with five or more employees.
However, under previous regulations, enforcement of the order for employers with fewer than five workers was deferred from Jan 1, 2023, to July 1, 2023.
Effendy suggested that the government announce a new minimum wage rate after a thorough two-year review of the order for the benefit of Malaysian workers, in line with the rising cost of living.
“However, the most crucial aspect is enforcing the order compliance. Even if the minimum wage is raised to RM1,800, if enforcement remains weak, we will continue to face the same issues due to some unscrupulous employers,” he stated.
The implementation of the order can enhance local workers’ income, thereby boosting the country’s economy towards achieving high-income nation status, he emphasised.
He noted that a balanced approach between employers and employees would also reduce the country’s reliance on foreign workers and ensure no racial or gender discrimination in the workplace. – May 1, 2024
