PUTRAJAYA: The proposal by the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) to raise the minimum wage rate to RM2,102 per month, compared to the current RM1,500, will be studied carefully, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.
He emphasised the Madani government's comprehensive approach to addressing wage issues, highlighting existing measures such as minimum wage regulations, the initiation of progressive wage pilot projects, and recent announcements regarding civil servant wages.
Expressing his belief that the current administration had placed the most significant emphasis on wage-related matters compared to previous governments, he said: "It needs comprehensive organisation involving all stakeholders, including employees, employers, including considering the government's and economy's capacity to absorb any decisions related to salaries."
He said this after the launch of the second season of the Innovathon television reality show, here today (May 15).
Rafizi explained that the discussion regarding the minimum wage including the process was the responsibility of the National Wage Consultative Council to evaluate the position of the minimum wage.
He said the process was ongoing and the Human Resources Ministry would bring it for the government's consideration according to the process in the act when the time came.
On May 8, in the report "The Living on the Edge Key Findings", Unicef revealed that the wage rate was set at RM2,102 taking into account key factors such as the cost of living, poverty line income and productivity. – BERNAMA