Businesses in Malaysia urged to pay workers higher wages

Malaysia’s human resource minister is urging companies to raise the wages of their workers.

Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri M. Saravanan highlighted two companies that have already done so, and expressed his hope for more companies to follow suit. 

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and appreciation to Aeon and Westports Holdings, which have offered salaries of RM1,500 (US$358) to their employees,” he said in a statement. 

Although the government is still discussing the minimum wage hike, the minister praised some firms that were already paying more than the minimum wage. 

These companies have set an outstanding example by being attentive to employees’ difficulties, despite the present economic depression brought on by the pandemic, he noted. 

READ: Malaysia studies move to increase minimum wage

Malaysia’s current minimum monthly wage is RM1,200 (US$287) per month in City Council and Municipal Council districts, while the minimum wage rate in other locations is RM1,100 (US$263).