Request has been made to the government to conduct a feasibility study on increasing the current minimum wage of RM1,500 to at least RM2,000. This move is aimed at assisting Malaysians in dealing with the rising cost of living. Khairul Azlan Sulong, the chairman of Gerakan Belia 4B Malaysia (Johor), stated that there is a significant disparity between the cost of necessities and the income of the public, particularly those in the general sector. He emphasized that most B40 families comprise general workers, including cleaners, restaurant workers, and cashiers, who generally earn a monthly salary of RM1,200 to RM1,500. Given the current cost of living, this salary is no longer sustainable, especially for sole breadwinners in families. He urged the government to conduct a study to evaluate the potential for increasing the minimum wage.
Khairul Azlan shared his opinion when asked about the statement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim regarding the salary increment for civil servants through the second Madani Budget. He believes it is reasonable since a large number of civil servants earn a basic salary below RM2,000. Increasing the earnings of the public will also help stimulate the domestic economy as they spend more on locally produced goods.
Mohammad Alif A Rahim, the deputy president of the Johor Youth Council, agreed with the suggestion and added that the government should also assess the performance of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He states that the worldwide economy relies heavily on the performance of MSMEs as an indicator of public expenditure by civil servants and those in the private sector. Additionally, Alif urged the government to reconsider the current economic plan and shift focus towards the agricultural sector to ensure food security and decrease dependence on imports. He emphasized the need for more entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to prevent monopolies and maintain control over the market for fertilizers, farm feeds, and pesticides.
Earlier, Anwar highlighted that the increase in civil servants’ salaries was a temporary measure until a comprehensive study on the salary and retirement scheme for civil servants could be completed the following year. He stated that it has been the government’s policy to review the salary scheme for civil servants every 10 years, which should have been done two years ago. However, the previous government did not address the issue nor hold any meetings regarding it.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
