Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has said that the government will carefully study the recent proposal from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to increase the minimum wage for Malaysians from the current RM1,500 to RM2,102 per month.

According to the minister, Malaysia’s minimum wage is a topic that falls within the purview of the National Wage Consultation Council, and discussions are already ongoing within the committee. The Ministry of Human Resources will then need to highlight it for the government’s consideration according to the proper procedure.

That said, Rafizi also stressed that the current government has already openly expressed that it will focus on improving the people’s income in dealing with the current problem of increasing cost of living, including wages.

“Compared to all previous administrations, in my view in terms on focusing on wages, the current administration is the most focused on the issue of wages, but this needs to be organised by involving all stakeholders – including in terms of employees, employers, the ability of the government, and the ability of the economy to absorb any salary-related decision,” said Rafizi.

The minister further highlighted some efforts that have already been initiated by the government to alleviate the situation, including the progressive wage pilot project and the recently announced salary hike for civil servants. For context, the progressive wage pilot project is now open for registration and will run from June to August 2024, whereas civil servants are set to enjoy a hike of more than 13% following a salary adjustment exercise.

Rafizi’s remarks came following a recent comment by UNICEF, which stated that the current RM1,500 minimum salary is too low for workers to sustain themselves and their families with. This was based on a UN-backed study called “The Living on the Edge Key Findings”, which also took into account key factors like the cost of living, poverty line income, and productivity.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s minimum salary was revised from RM1,200 to the current RM1,500 in 2022.

(Source: The Sun Daily)

• TAGS:
• Minimum Wage
• Rafizi Ramli
• United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)