New Minimum Wage Order Benefits 4.37 Million Workers Across Malaysia


Kuala Lumpur: The implementation of the new minimum wage order, which took effect yesterday, has brought relief to workers receiving salary increases, helping to ease the burden of rising living costs.



According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Subari Ismail, a 25-year-old production operator from Bukit Katil, expressed that the new wage order had motivated him to remain dedicated after five years of working at a food factory in Ayer Keroh. As a father of two, he noted that the increase alleviates his dependence on overtime to cover monthly expenses, especially as overtime allocations have been significantly reduced by employers.



In Bukit Rambai, J. Rajanathan, a 44-year-old worker in the cleaning sector, shared his relief over the salary increase, which will help mitigate the rising costs of essential goods. With his salary climbing from less than RM1,500 to RM1,700, the extra RM200 will contribute towards grocery expenses for his family, which includes his wife and bedridden mother.



In the retail sector, Noor Azmin Talib, aged 33, highlighted that the wage order reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the economic status of lower-income workers in the face of escalating living expenses. While not married, Noor Azmin plans to save any additional income for emergencies due to high monthly commitments.



It was reported that 4.37 million workers in Malaysia will benefit from the increase, with a new minimum monthly wage of RM1,700. This adjustment applies to employers with five or more workers and professional sector employers, regardless of workforce size. Businesses with fewer than five employees will adopt the new rate on August 1, allowing time for necessary adjustments in wage structures and operations.