Bid to further cut minimum wage gap

PUTRAJAYA: The Government is looking to narrow the minimum wage gap between workers in the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak in a review of the policy that may be implemented next year.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem said since the minimum wage policy was introduced in 2013, the gap had been reduced in a review last year.

“When the minimum wage policy for the private sector was first introduced in 2013, it was set at RM900 for workers in Peninsular Malaysia and RM800 for those in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

“When the minimum wage was revised last year, it was set at RM1,000 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM920 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. So, the gap has been reduced.

“This is a step forward in the Government’s desire to see the minimum wage of private workers across the country synchronised one day,” Riot said after presenting letters of appointment to the new members of the National Wages Consultative Council here yesterday.

The council, he said, was already discussing about the next review of the minimum wage, which could be implemented next year.

He said that for the first time, the council would include representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak state secretary offices.

“Hopefully, the inclusion of these representatives will help the Government find the best way to reduce the gap,” he said.

Twenty-five people from the Government, worker unions, employer groups and non-governmental bodies have been appointed to the council.

The current term is in effect for three years – beginning Oct 1 until Sept 30, 2020.

Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, the former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, has been reappointed as council chairman.

The public can give feedback on the minimum wage at minimumwages.mohr.gov.my.