KUALA LUMPUR: A monthly wage of RM3,100 has been proposed by the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) as a reference for the new minimum wage, amid rising living costs.
MTUC secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said the amount should be considered in reviewing the minimum wage to reflect the rising costs of food, housing, transportation and other necessities.
He also called for the wage structure to be expanded to cover middle-income workers, ensuring salary increases that reflect their skills, education and work experience.
“This would help address skills mismatch, enable companies to attract quality talent and support productivity as well as wage growth,” he said in a statement Sunday as reported by Bernama.
Kamarul Baharin said Human Resources Minister Datuk R. Ramanan’s announcement that the government was reviewing the minimum wage was a positive development for workers.
Under the National Wages Consultative Act, the minimum wage must be reviewed every two years. With about five months remaining before the current review period ends, he said the new rate should be announced soon.
According to him following the previous increase implemented in February 2025, the next minimum wage should take effect in February 2027.
“Any delay could place greater pressure on workers amid rising costs of goods,” he said.
Kamarul Baharin said some workers were still earning the current minimum wage of RM1,700 despite having 10 years of service due to the absence of a proper wage structure.
He said MTUC was prepared to work with the government through the National Wages Consultative Council by providing input on the new minimum wage.
Last Tuesday, Ramanan said the minimum wage was being reviewed to determine whether the current RM1,700 monthly rate should be maintained or increased.
