RM1,500 minimum wage policy comes into effect May 1, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The RM1,500 minimum wage policy will be implemented on May 1, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the government is aware of the increase in cost of living and its effects, especially on the B40 community.

"I listened to the debates raised by delegates and the voice of the people.

"Therefore, I would like to announce that the minimum wage of RM1,500 a month will begin on May 1 nationwide," he said during his winding up speech at the Umno general assembly on Saturday (March 19).

Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president, said discussions between two ministers would be held to look into delaying the implementation of the policy for small and micro businesses with low income or revenue.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan had told the Dewan Rakyat that the RM1,500 minimum wage would be implemented in due time and the government was committed to enforcing it by the end of this year.

Ismail Sabri also stressed on the protection given to women, including in alimony cases they won in court.

"We have decided that banks would freeze the accounts of former husbands who did not pay alimony. After the ruling has been obtained, the bank will make a direct deduction from the ex-husband's account. If the rate is RM1,000, for example, the bank will deduct it directly and pay to the former wife,” he said.

He said recently widowed women would be allowed to work from home during edah (waiting period of four months and 10 days) and employers cannot force them to work from office during that period.

The Prime Minister also reiterated that the government would always stand firm in upholding and defending the country's sovereignty and Sabah's position in Malaysia.

"We will file applications in court in Paris, France to set aside whatever claims made by the Sulu Sultan,” he said.

"As a party which fought for independence, Umno will never pawn the country's sovereignty to those who are daydreaming,” he said.