Kuala lumpur: The government has disbursed RM64,076,884.75 in cash incentives to 4,025 private sector employers participating in the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) as of June 5.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) highlighted that this empowerment initiative, part of the MADANI Economy framework, has benefited 51,363 local workers. The policy aims to strengthen and progressively elevate the wage scale of skilled employees.

The wholesale and retail trade sector, encompassing the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, showed the highest participation at 26.7 percent. This was followed by the manufacturing sector at 15.7 percent, professional, scientific, and technical activities at 11.1 percent, education at 7.4 percent, and accommodation and food service activities at 6.9 percent.

"In terms of employer size, small companies accounted for 50.2 percent of employers making claims. Large and medium-sized companies each recorded 18.4 percent, followed by micro enterprises at 13.1 percent," the ministry stated in a written reply to Manndzri Nasib (BN-Tenggara) in the Dewan Rakyat. He had inquired about the latest status of private sector compliance with the PWP implementation and the effectiveness of cash incentives in promoting wage progression for skilled local workers.

According to KESUMA, the incentive scheme has positively impacted the incomes of skilled workers, especially professionals, technicians, and associate professionals, who collectively constitute 45.9 percent of the total workers involved. Among professionals, the median basic salary increased by RM350, from RM2,900 to RM3,250, marking a 12.1 percent rise. The average basic salary also rose by RM364.36, from RM2,930.74 to RM3,295.10.

For technicians and associate professionals, the median basic salary increased by RM250, from RM2,350 to RM2,600, representing a 10.6 percent rise, while the average basic salary rose by RM294.38, from RM2,557.35 to RM2,851.72.