PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) says gender should never influence an employee's pay.
In a statement on Thursday (Jan 23) MEF president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said an employee's salary should be based on their "qualification, skill and experience."
He added that employers must reward employees based on their contribution and performance, and said that the MEF does not support wages being based on gender.
Syed Hussain then said that MEF opposes any policy of paying wages based on gender.
"MEF advises all employers that if there is any difference in pay based on gender, it must be corrected immediately," he said.
The statement follows a report by the Women, Family and Community Development Minister which revealed that female graduates earn about RM900 less than their male counterparts despite having similar academic qualifications.
"We must recognise that women have played a critical role in shaping Malaysia's progress and development,” said Syed Hussain.
He added that the elimination of gender-based pay is critical as Malaysia ratified the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Convention No. 100 on Equal Remuneration in 1997.
"The ILO Convention on Equal Remuneration aims to eliminate wage discrimination and ensure equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of gender," Syed Hussain said.
He added that the MEF strongly believes in promoting gender equality and that leveraging the talents and skills of women will lead to more innovation, inclusion and a sustainable future.
