Cabinet discusses reactions to minimum wage, EPF proposals

 

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said any decision will probably be announced later when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim winds up the debate on the budget for the finance ministry.

PETALING JAYA: 

The Cabinet has discussed reactions to the RM1,700 minimum wage and proposal for foreign workers to contribute to EPF.

Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the unity government’s spokesman, said the matters were raised at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today, Bernama reported.

“Also discussed were several other aspects, including the views of SMEs and plantation companies, as well as feedback on several decisions or announcements in the 2025 budget.

“The prime minister has taken note of these views and concerns. He will certainly take them into consideration.

“Any decision will probably be announced when he winds up the debate on the budget for the finance ministry later,” Fahmi told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference today.

On Oct 22, the SME Association of Malaysia expressed concern that the proposed minimum wage and EPF contributions for foreign workers would impose financial burdens beyond what SMEs could bear, especially when many small businesses were still struggling with post-pandemic recovery.

Its president, Chin Chee Seong, reportedly said implementing such policies without additional support from the government could threaten the sustainability of the SME sector. - FMT