A WANITA MCA leader has expressed disappointment over the recent announcement that there are no immediate plans to introduce an Equal Pay Act, saying the matter is not just an economic issue but a matter of fairness, equality and human dignity.
Its secretary-general Chan Quin Er was responding to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri who said on Wednesday (March 12) that while her ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the gender pay gap, there is no plans to introduce such a legislation.
“It is unacceptable that even in 2025, women in Malaysia continue to earn less than their male counterparts for the same work,” she stressed.
“The Government must take more serious, decisive action in ensuring equal pay for equal work—this includes introducing legislation such as an Equal Pay Act, which has long been overdue.”
Chan further criticised the lack of a clear roadmap or timeframe for action in Nancy’s statement, adding that informal discussions are not enough when the need for tangible legislative change is critical.
“We need to move beyond discussions and start implementing policies that will bridge this gap and ensure fair wages for all, regardless of gender,” she insisted.
“The gender pay gap not only perpetuates inequality but also hinders the full potential of Malaysian women who are equally qualified and capable.”
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DOSM) 2023 Graduate Statistics Report, female graduates in Malaysia earn approximately RM900 less than male graduates with similar academic qualifications.
This highlights a persistent gender pay gap in Malaysia and should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to act decisively.
“We call on the government to demonstrate real commitment to gender equality by prioritising equal pay for equal work,” Chan stated.
“It is time for the government to take serious, substantive steps toward enacting legislation that addresses this persistent disparity and ensures fairness for all workers, regardless of gender.
Equal pay is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right that all women in Malaysia deserve. Embarking together to make this right a reality steers Malaysia towards becoming a fully developed nation and recognises the oft-unnoticed yet insurmountable contributions women make to Malaysia.” – March 14, 2025
