Kelantan:The government has not yet reached a decision on the new minimum wage rate, amid speculation of potential increases to RM2,000, RM2,100, or RM2,200, according to Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan stated that any announcement regarding the new wage rate would only occur after receiving Cabinet approval, including from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He cautioned against premature claims, emphasizing that the official announcement should come from the Prime Minister once a decision is made. Ramanan has submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking a decision on the matter.

Ramanan shared these insights after attending the State Investiture Ceremony for Sultan Muhammad V's 57th Birthday Celebration at Istana Balai Besar, where he was honored with the title 'Datuk'.

Media reports previously indicated that Prime Minister Anwar expected the RM1,700 minimum wage to rise, with details to be revealed during the 2027 Budget presentation on October 9. Ramanan expressed his lack of awareness regarding the source of the new wage figures being discussed, as any decision must first be approved by the Cabinet.

He mentioned that discussions about increasing the minimum wage to RM3,000 or RM4,000 have been proposed by unions and NGOs, but such decisions require a specific formula and comprehensive impact studies by experts, including academics. The studies will evaluate economic implications before any recommendation is made to the government.

Ramanan also highlighted the need to consider the impact on inflation, stressing that wage increases must genuinely benefit workers without negatively affecting the economy. He noted the importance of balancing wage hikes with inflation control to ensure meaningful improvements for workers.