Increase income, livelihood of the people
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 […]
Minimum wage rate being reviewed to keep it relevant
KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum wage rate is being reviewed to ensure the earnings of workers remain relevant with current economic conditions, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. The prime minister said the government is always concerned about the issue of minimum wage and would take efforts to better protect workers’ rights. “I hope all parties would […]
What happens when the US increases its minimum wage?
NEW YORK: Progressive lawmakers this week formally launched an effort to hike the US minimum wage, introducing legislation to gradually raise it from $7.25 to $15 an hour. The proposed increase is much larger than those in the recent past, but supporters argue it is warranted because it has been more than a decade since […]
Bonus up to govt, says Cuepacs
BY ALLAN JAY AND ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP KUCHING: Congress of Unions of Employees in Public and Civil Services Malaysia (Cuepacs) will let the government decide how much bonus will be given to civil servants in the country. Its president Adnan Mat stated that it was hard to say how much Cuepacs would request as bonus. He […]
Revisions should reflect realities
STATUTORY MINIMUM WAGE RATE KUCHING: The statutory minimum wage rate should be periodically revised for adjustments to reflect the realities of life, said Malaysian Academy of Science Fellow, Dr Madeline Berma. The economist said this was necessary in the wake of the recent announcement on the new national poverty line income (PLI) from RM980 to […]
222 employers statewide flout minimum wage rule
BY JAY WATSON KUCHING: A total of 222 employers throughout Sarawak have failed to comply with the government’s minimum wage policy set last year. Sarawak Labour Department director Awang Raduan Awang Omar said most of the errant employers owned business premises in remote areas. “In addition, they gave an excuse of not having any information […]
Impacts Ringgit strength, warns MEF
KUCHING: Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has estimated that the increase in minimum wages would add RM2.5 billion yearly in remittances to home countries, adding about seven percent to the estimated RM34 billion per year currently being remitted by foreign workers. “It is obvious that higher remittances made by foreign workers to their home countries would […]
Aliens will not benefit
KUCHING: Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)’s attempt to paint the minimum wage increase as a scheme to benefit foreign workers instead of local workers has created fear and resentment. Sarawak Bank Employees Union chief executive officer (CEO) Andrew Lo said this in a joint statement with Union Network International-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie […]
Minimum wage — boon or bust?
The issue of minimum wage has grabbed the headlines. This is because starting January 2020, the minimum wage will be raised to RM1,200. However, before all employees get too excited, this RM1,200 minimum wage base rate will be limited only to workers in areas under the administration of 57 city councils and municipal councils. The […]
Pay RM1,200 to rural workers, too
KUCHING: Sarawak Workers Party thinks that the minimum wage of RM1,200 should be the same for the whole country and not limited only to workers in urban areas. Its president Munan Laja said, “Workers in the rural and small towns face more hardships.” He said those working in timber camps, oil palm plantations and […]
