KUALA LUMPUR: Employers have been told not to misuse the Statistics Department's Basic Expenses for Decent Living index to underpay their workers.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that the index is merely a guide for the rakyat to estimate an adequate salary for the area where they live.
"It is not intended to be used negatively," he told reporters after a town hall session at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) headquarters here on Thursday (Nov 14).
He was asked if employers were using the index as an excuse not to raise the workers' wages.
Uzir added the data provided could also be used as a guide when employees are posted to another part of the country with differing indexes.
"When transferring an employee from a district with a lower index – for instance from one with RM5,000 to another with RM7,000 – employers should pay a commensurate salary," he said.
He also said that the data provided could also help ensure targeted subsidies are delivered more efficiently.
"With the index, public funds can be distributed more efficiently and accurately," he added.
The index, introduced in November 2024, also provides a calculator for the public to check how much is needed for monthly expenses based on where they live.
It can be accessed through mypakw.dosm.gov.my or its mobile applications (www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/article/smartphone-applications).
