KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum wage order for workers is expected to be gazetted within two months, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Human Resources Minister M. Kulagesaran said the National Wage Consultative Council (MPGN) had concluded its study on the matter and would submit its findings to the government soon.
“If there is no hindrance, the new minimum wage order will be gazetted in one or two months,” he said in reply to a question by Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun (BN-UMNO Beaufort).
Kulasegaran said the minimum wage of RM1,500 would be standardised nationwide in line with the government’s 100 days’ 10 promises.
He said the minimum wage would be reviewed every two years.
He hoped that the implementation of the new rate, which would be carried out in stages, would reach the targeted RM1,500 by the end of Pakatan Harapan’s first administration term.
“Various factors would be taken into consideration when reviewing the minimum wage order. They include the socio-economy factor like the consumer price index, productivity growth rate, employers’ capability in salary payment, unemployment rate, poverty threshold income.
“Apart from that, views from all quarters through a tactful approach that balances the interests of employers, workers and the government will also be put into consideration,” he said.
Kulasegaran said the implementation of minimum wage would not differentiate workers based on their nationalities and the government’s view on both the local and foreign workforce would be based on several aspects including the Equal Remuneration Convention (No 100).
“It states that the minimum wage policies must not discriminate workers based on their nationalities.
“In addition, Section 60L of the Employment Act 1955; Section 118B of the Sabah Labour Ordinance; as well as the Sarawak Labour Ordinance prohibits any form of discrimination on the local and foreign workers,” he said.
Kulasegaran said the enforcement of the minimum wage order for private sector workers would incur additional cost.
Thus, he said, the government would ensure that it would be carried out with tact and done in tandem with the government’s efforts in improving the country’s financial position.