SPCAAM wants liveable wages in ageing country
KUALA LUMPUR - The government must play a role in setting a liveable wage for the public in an ageing country based on the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), said Social Protection Contributors Advisory Association Malaysia (SPCAAM) director Dr Zouhair Rosli.
He said other than increasing the retirement age, investments prepared by the government must be of quality and focused on the digital and information and communication technology (ICT) concept rather than structure.
"The impact of an ageing nation means that the number of workers is decreasing while the number of senior citizens is increasing. Employees must work harder to improve the current economy.
"The issue of low wages and the economy operating 'cheaply' must be overcome immediately, as well as ensuring that the wages received by workers improve in the future," he said when met after the forum "Are Malaysians Capable of Enjoying a Good Life After Retirement" organised by SPCAAM on Wednesday.
Zouhair explained the issues involving the nation's economic structure must be re-examined to guarantee employment opportunities for the youth, as many graduates were forced to work in positions not equivalent to their educations.
He said currently, university graduates must 'scramble' for jobs with older individuals to gain a position in line with education fields.
"Policymakers must review all these matters and not blame the youth for being picky in choosing jobs.
"The youth don't choose jobs (because) if they did, there would not be the issue of unemployment rates currently.
"What happened was the jobs for graduates are gone, they are forced to choose jobs not in line with their education," he said.
