KUCHING: Reviewing of the minimum wage rate by the federal government is a good move but, at the same time, the government must also look into how to increase the income and improve the livelihood of the people.
This was the view of Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang when asked whether the review of the country’s minimum wage rate was a good move and whether it was sufficient at the moment.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in his Labour Day address today (May 1), said that the rate of minimum wage was being reviewed to ensure the earnings of the workers remain relevant in line with the current economic conditions.
“I also hope that the federal government can also reduce the rate of the income tax. This is so that people can have money at the end of the day and the tax won’t burden them,” added Lo.
He added an individual’s wage depended on his/her expertise.
“It is a good move to review the minimum wage but then we must also encourage people to work hard and give them good education.
“That is why I want our federal government to give us back our autonomy on education and health. They must give it back to us. The people of Sarawak want to be able to take care of these two matters concerned,” he said.
Lo stressed that providing good education was important to bring up the society.
“Just like Singapore. It has nothing but a lot of money. So, where does this come from? Good education.”
Lo added that Sarawak government was doing its best to lessen the burden of the people by helping the needy to repair their houses, reducing assessment rate, giving discounts on water and electricity bills, and many other assistances.
“You see (the late chief minister) Pehin Sri Adenan Satem reduced the assessment rate for the residents.
“And now Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved an allocation of RM1 million each to all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state assemblymen for repairs and rebuilding of houses in their respective constituencies.
“With such initiatives, the livelihood of the people, especially the needy, will improve as they don’t have to use their income to repair their houses. They can save the money for other things,” he said after handing over a repaired house at Kampung Lidah Tanah, Batu Kitang here today (May 1).
