‘Good news’ on Friday, says Kula
Govt likely to increase minimum wage
IPOH: Workers in the country can hope for “good news” on Friday when a roadmap on increasing the national minimum wage is submitted to the Cabinet.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran said the Cabinet would then decide on the quantum for the increase that would be implemented over the next few years.
“I hope there will be good news that day,” he told reporters after presenting wheelchairs to needy folk in Kampung Tawas yesterday.
When asked how much the jump in minimum wage would be, Kulasegaran said: “I know the rate of increment in minimum wage but it’s not for me to say. The Cabinet will have to decide on it, it’s not my decision.”
Many people, he said, were still confused over the increase in the minimum wage to RM1,500 as promised in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto. “It will be in stages, and not in one go. “A lot of companies will face financial difficulties or go bankrupt if we do so,” he said, adding that the Cabinet would decide on a rate that would not affect businesses. “I have already met various businessmen and non-governmental organisations on this.”
The Government, he said, was also working on standardising the minimum wage in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
The current minimum wage in the peninsula is RM1,000 while it is RM920 for Sabah and Sarawak.
“According to the law, a review on the wage needs to be done every two years. I think we can get this done,” he said.
Kulasegaran also visited Kampung Kepayang where he presented 200 wheelchairs to needy residents.
“The wheelchairs were bought using funds donated by the public, including businessmen,” he said, adding that the donors wished to remain anonymous.