KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged private companies to emulate Khazanah Nasional Bhd by offering fair salaries to employees.
He said while making profits is crucial, it is equally important for companies to prioritise the welfare of employees.
He said businesses should balance financial goals with ensuring fair treatment, adequate compensation and the wellbeing of staff.
"I recall that when Tenaga Nasional Bhd was privatised, the first yearly report highlighted notable achievements. But I pointed out concerns about housing for lower level employees.
"How are their salaries? What about their children's education?
"The government should not be burdened with these issues when the body has been privatised and is making significant profits.
"There must be a commitment to ensuring employee welfare," he said in his special address at Khazanah Nasional Bhd's 30th anniversary celebration today.
Present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan and Khazanah Nasional managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
"Recently, I announced that civil servants' salaries should not be less than RM2,000.
He added that Khazanah deserves praise for setting a minimum wage of RM3,000 for its employees.
This includes employees at government-linked companies under Khazanah Nasional.
"I hope other private companies will follow Khazanah's example.
"While all companies need to generate profits, they should not do so at the expense of the wellbeing of anak bangsa," he said.