When is the right time to implement a minimum salary of RM1,500?
SHAH ALAM - The excuse used by employers that they will incur losses or face bankruptcy if the minimum wage were to be raised to RM1,500 has been touted by employers for the past 20 years, according to a labour union.
Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president, Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal said the same reason has been used by employers each time there is a demand from the union to raise wages.
“The minimum salary rate of RM1,500 should have been approved three years ago, even before the pandemic and floods but the matter is often delayed due to various reasons by the employers.
“We respect the views that have been voiced but please don't' deny the plight and the struggle of the employees.
“If some people say that this is not the right time for a pay raise, then when would be the right time? In 10 or 20 years? The situation seems to indicate that the country is going through bankruptcy when it is not,” he told Sinar Harian.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Shafie also urged the National Wage Consultative Council (MPGN) to address the matter directly.
“They need to stop hiding and give their opinions. What are their recommendations for the situation?
“The intellectual people there can provide their concrete and constructive views so that it can be made as a solution to resolve the issue,”
He said the annual salary increase among the B40 is low, which is only around RM10 to RM20, after being reviewed.
He explained that some companies deny the annual raise implemented for three or four years, blaming it on Covid-19 pandemic.
He also added that the employees are now sick with the excuses from the government with price hikes adding to the problem and some employees had to borrow from cooperatives and bank loans due to insufficient income.
“What is the point of the Malaysian Family if the rakyat is struggling?” he questioned.
Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri M Saravanan recently announced the minimum salary of RM1,500 a month is expected to be implemented before this year ends.
