KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Rahim (Baling-BN) seems fed up that the government has been “studying, discussing and finding ways to implement” a minimum wage increase over the past 10 years.
During Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat, Azeez pointed out that there have been over 10 studies justifying an increase of minimum wage.
The pursuit of lifting the minimum wage to RM1,500, he said, is still riddled with hurdles, even when that amount may not be enough for employees.
“For 10 years, I have been hearing the same thing. Study, discuss and find ways to implement.
“Another thing is that there have been a lot of subsidies during the pandemic.
“Look at developed nations on how to implement subsidies which should be given directly to workers,” Azeez said.
Meanwhile, Charles Santiago (Klang-PH) also joined in the chorus to call for an increase of minimum wage.
He referenced a 2016 Bank Negara Malaysia study, which found that bachelors living in urban areas require a salary of at least RM2,700.
Santiago agreed that small and medium enterprises will face difficulties if minimum wage is increased, and put the Human Resources Ministry to task by querying how the government aims to assist these smaller businesses.
Responding to the MPs’ questions, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim suggested that Covid-19 had influenced the government’s approach on the matter by introducing programmes such as Penjana and Pemulih.
“Employers are incentivised so that they do not incur too many expenses during the pandemic.
“At the same time, it will ensure that employees do not suffer salary reductions,” Awang said.
Touching on the studies cited, Awang said research is an essential element of good governance.
However, the results of such studies must reach the cabinet for a decision to be made.
At the moment, the National Wages Consultative Council is reviewing the Minimum Wage Order 2020.
“After completing discussions, the council is in the process of preparing a paper to be presented to cabinet over a review of the national wage policy,” Awang said. – The Vibes, December 14, 2021
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