The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has called on Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob to raise the private sector minimum wage to RM1,500.
Its secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor (above) said that this should be done via the Minimum Wage Order.
“The prime minister should make the minimum wage of RM1,500 compulsory for the private sector through the minimum wage order, not just advising companies to implement the minimum wage.
“His acknowledgement that the minimum wage increase can help low-income workers is a true statement,” he said in a statement.
This came after the prime minister said the government was committed to ensuring that permanent employees of government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) are paid at least RM1,500 a month. He also urged companies in the private sector to do so.
Kamarul lauded the government’s commitment to the cause but felt that the proposed RM1,500 should be mandated.
“Studies and discussions have been completed in the run involving government, trade unions and employers’ associations. The government should mandate the new rates after the studies are submitted to the cabinet,” he added.
Kamarul urged for the minimum wage issue to not be used in political campaigns during elections because it is an urgent matter that needed to be addressed.
“It is time for the cabinet to announce the new minimum wage as stated in the Minimum Wage Order, which requires the government to review the minimum wage once every two years.
“MTUC is still waiting for the right time to meet with the prime minister to discuss the difficulties of workers in dealing with the current cost of living.
“The appropriateness of an RM1,500 minimum wage will be MTUC’s priority in the upcoming discussion,” Kamarul said.
The current monthly minimum wage in all city and municipal council areas is RM1,200 while it is RM1,100 in other areas. - Mkini
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