Malaysian minimum wage is processing
The Malaysian Employers Federation has rejected the proposal of a minimum wage. However, the government would not give up on the proposal and would push for it on a sectoral basis for a start, beginning with the plantation industry. The Malaysian Trade Union Congress had been demanding for a minimum wage of 900 ringgit (US$285) a month and another additional 300 ringgit (US$95) as a cost of living allowance, to help workers cope with soaring fuel and food prices.
Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said, his ministry, the Economic Planning Unit and Treasury would discuss the issue to work out a minimum wage formula. It is difficult to set a minimum wage limit for all workers, meanwhile, the new job creation should be ensured, he said. The foreign investments also have to be looked into, he added.
The Malaysian Trade Union Congress estimates there are 40 per cent of Malaysians, including nearly 10 million private-sector employees, who earn less than 700 ringgit (US$222) a month. Most work at factories and plantations. Plantation workers are among the worst paid, with some earning less than 400 ringgit (US$126) a month.
Sources: The Hindu, 7 May 2008; BERNAMA, 22 May 2008