Workers welcome higher minimum wage pledge

KANGAR: The Barisan Nasional (BN) pledge to increase the minimum wage to at least RM1,500 a month in its 14th general election (GE14) manifesto is seen to help promote employee performance and productivity.

Civil servant Nor Aziah Idris, 35, said the BN government’s decision to implement the ‘people’s wallet’ programme in an effort to increase the minimum wage to at least RM1,500 within five years, was in line with the objective of making Malaysia a developed nation.

According to her if pay does not commensurate with the level of work, this would directly affect productivity and quality of work.

“In the past (10, 15 years ago) income was relatively low and though cost of living was not high it was difficult to buy a house or car, but now practically everyone can own a car.

“The government’s willingness to pay better salary and rewards will encourage civil servants to be more committed and productive and ultimately its the people who will enjoy the benefits,” Nor Aziah told Bernama when met yesterday.

Private sector worker, Nursyafika Bokhari, 25, said one cannot simply compare the salary schemes of public and private sector workers as they are different entities.

She said the government’s effort to get the private sector implement the minimum wage scheme and offer appropriate benefits was a wise and good move for development and growth of the sector.

“Some people say that private sector employees get better salaries but they are not aware that with the rising cost of living there is not much change in our salaries” she said adding that she would join the public sector if offered permanent employment.

According to another private sector employee Mohd Khairin Amir Azmi, 25, the government had carried out various programmes and initiatives to look after the lives and welfare of the people.

He said the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) contribution had helped private sector employees who suffer from injuries or illness arising from the course of employment while the lower income earners received the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) which show the government’s concern for the people. - Bernama