KUALA LUMPUR – Women typically earn less than their male counterparts because they tend to work in inferior-paying jobs, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed acknowledged the existence of the income gap between the two genders, but attributed this to the occupations they are in.
“Generally, there is no difference. If we look specifically at the government, we don’t differentiate wages between men and women. The same applies in the private sector,” he said today.
“But because women tend to be in jobs with lower pay, that is why on average, their wages are lower than men.”
Mustapa was responding to a question from Tan Kok Wai (Cheras-PH) on the government’s plan to reduce the income gap between the genders, saying there is economic discrimination against women in the country.
According to Mustapa, based on international studies, households led by women and single mothers are the worst affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly those living in urban locations.
To address this issue, the minister said the government will roll out a special programme starting next month but stopped short of providing specific details.
“We have identified several locations in Kuala Lumpur, specifically People’s Housing Projects with a high number of women household leaders. A specific and holistic approach will be taken,” he said.
On the government’s plan to reduce the income gap between Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula, Mustapa said the government has already taken action following engagements with the respective states.
Among others, he said the federal government has received from Sabah and Sarawak suggestions to improve the road network, basic infrastructure, health and education system.
“Discussions were also held on proposed developments on the borders of Kalimantan, in view of the potential development when Indonesia shifts its capital city from Jakarta to Nusantara.
“I am confident this government is highly committed to reducing the development gap between the peninsula and East Malaysia,” he said. – The Vibes, March 7, 2022
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