KUALA LUMPUR: An announcement on the direction of the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) pilot project will be made soon, says the Deputy Human Resources Minister.
Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to make the announcement soon but did not elaborate.
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"We can only pray that the Prime Minister will be making an announcement soon, or when tabling the Budget.
"We are prepared, but I dare not say yes or no.
"I urge everyone to be patient," he said when replying to a supplementary question by Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok) in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday. (Oct 15)
Syahir wanted to know if the ministry would address salary disparity between employees in the PWP.
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He noted that there were wage disparities among different sectors, and even between workers in Peninsular Malaysia and the Bornean states.
Rahman said the issue was discussed by the Cabinet following talks with the National Wages Consultative Council and its technical committee.
Among the main points discussed were the eligibility of companies to participate in the PWP, proposed entry salary, and annual increments including cash incentives for different categories of workers.
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Rahman also told Datuk Shamshulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) that whether or not the PWP pilot project would be extended was also raised in the Cabinet discussion.
"I dare not say how long the extension will be, maybe a year or two, but we did submit a proposal for a specific period," he added.
Earlier, he informed the House that as of Aug 3 this year, 776 companies had applied to participate in the pilot project.
The PWP is targeting 1,000 companies, with a focus on micro, small and medium enterprises.
The pilot project was opened for registration in June and involves local workers in construction; manufacturing; wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; information and communications; and professional, scientific and technical activities.
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The PWP aims to increase the wages of Malaysian employees earning between RM1,500 and RM4,999.
Companies defined as "entry-level" will be given up to RM200 per worker for the first 12 months, on the condition that they raise salaries yearly either by matching or paying more.
Companies not at entry-level will receive RM300 per worker.
The government had set aside RM50mil for the PWP with incentives expected to be paid out beginning this month.
