By Fasiha Khushiri
KUCHING: Many people are agreeable to and thankful for the new minimum wage of RM1,500 gazetted by the government last April 27.
Among their opinions, which they have been saying often and long enough, the government should review the minimum wage of workers from time to time to ensure that personal income does not fall too far below the poverty line.
Under the new ruling, an employee who is not paid basic wage but is paid based on piece rate, tonnage, task, trip or commission, the monthly wage rate payable to the employee shall not be less than RM1,500 with effect from today.
People can argue about the pros and cons of this until the cows come home, and they should debate because after all Malaysia is a democratic country and what good is a democracy without continuous public discourse.
The arguments are expected because minimum wage is such a contentious subject, especially when it comes to setting the right and proper amount. Just coming up with the “best” figure is difficult as the variables that must be taken into account are hard to analyse and calculate.
So, for sure the arguments will go on and on, but for the moment the reality of it is the relevant legislation has been passed and so employers have to comply with it.
An information officer, JOYCE REMY, 31, thinks the implementation of the new minimum wage would help meet at least part of the rising cost of living.
“Just go to any shop now and you will see that the prices of many goods and services have gone up. In my estimation, the wage ruling should have been implemented earlier, but better late than never,” he said.
Hoping that the RM1,500 per month is not too little too late, he also thinks that the government should review the minimum wage once the economy has become stable.
He observes that currently, workers can’t demand too much. Why?
“Well, we must be careful not to make it impossible for employers to pay their employees. It is to everybody’s benefit to find some win-win solutions,” he said.
NOOR ASHYIKIN JAMALI, 28, a private sector employee, thinks it is right that the minimum wage has been raised. After all, the prices of goods and services have gone up.
“The prices will not go down again unless some economic miracles happen. Mark my words,” she said.
To her, minimum wage cannot be taken lightly as poverty in Malaysia has shot up after the COVID-19 onslaught. She does not think RM1,500 per month is enough for every person, but it’s better than nothing and will surely be a big relief for those on the lower and lowest rungs of our socio-economic ladder.
“I believe minimum wage should be reviewed every five years or every time there is a huge jump in prices of goods,” she said.
As for NABILA SAPAWI, 32, she has observed that salaries or wages that are way below the cost of living have been around for a long time.
A public servant, she explained that when the increase in the prices of goods is not followed by a corresponding increase in income, people become poorer and will remain that way unless some intervention is carried out, usually by the government.
So raising the minimum wage to subsistence level can to some limited extent and for a limited length of time reduce the financial woes of workers, she said.
She further explained that with minimum wage set at the right or optimal level, employees don’t have to work overtime to make ends meet.
“If the basic wage is enough to live on modestly, they would have more time and space to improve their skills through continuous education or training.
“Employees who have higher education or skill levels, tend to have better opportunities to earn more or move to higher positions,” she said.
She reasoned that when minimum wage can guarantee a dignified life, ordinary people (especially young people) will be more likely to venture into the world of work and contribute to the development of society, as opposed to engaging in shortcut immoral activities to earn money.
Guest service assistant, JUNAIDI MAN, 28, thinks that the government is right in raising the minimum wage.
“What is important is that workers will at least have enough basic necessities for themselves and their families.
“Don’t scoff at the RM1,500; it’s some money if you’re poor. Sure, you can’t buy fancy things that you want but it can easily feed a family of three or four comfortably every month,” he said.
On what’s next, he wants the government to review the minimum wage after two years; see whether or not it is still relevant after that time, then go on from there.
