LIVID over the Malaysian Employers Federation’s opposition to increasing the minimum wage to RM1,500, netizens took to social media to criticise the group.
“This 21st century lah mangkok (imbecile)…. Not 19th….your monthly nasi lemak budget oso more than 1500 redi,” said user Bhagwan singh.
Echoing Bhagwan’s sentiments, user SY Tan added:
Netizen Jason Chin retorted:
Yesterday, MEF said the time was not right for the Government to increase the cost of doing business, adding the proposed RM1,500 new minimum wage implementation would derail economic recovery.
Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said a majority of Malaysian businesses are not ready and not in a position to implement the proposed new minimum wage as they are still reeling from the economic shock brought about by COVID-19 and the devastating impact of the recent major floods.
Wages stagnant for years
“More efforts should be directed towards business recovery in the private sector and controlling the rising cost of products and services. We must remember that most Malaysian businesses are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), whereby 98.9% are in this group.
“So, when we talk about wages and cost, we must think of their survival and sustainability,” Syed Hussain was reported as saying.
On that note, user Mohd Hazwan reminded the MEF that wages in the private sector have been stagnant for years, with cost of living showing no signs of going down. 
Netizen Catherine Lee May Yin remarked: “35 years ago graduate salary was rm 1300. 35 years later still 1300. But a bowl of noodle was rm 2.50 then, today is rm 7. Please lah!” – Feb 7, 2022.
