The Prime Minister has announced that Malaysia will implement the minimum wage at a rate of RM900 per month or RM4.33 per hour for labours in the Peninsula and RM800 per month or RM3.85 per hour for Sabah and Sarawak. This rate was fixed in 2012 after making modifications to the recommendations made by the National Wages Consultative Council
The minimum wage policy is expected to benefit approximately five million workers. However, this minimum wage implemented by the government is still low compared to the level required by Malaysia Trades Union Congress of RM1200.
Minimum wage covers for workers in all sectors except domestic labour such as maids and gardeners. The government has given duration of 12 months to the small industry employers to make the necessary arrangements from the date of Minimum Wage Order gazette. A period of 6 months for implementation is given to professional firms.
In addition, the government also allows the implementation of minimum wage flexibility for employers who are unable to pay the gazetted salaries but by applications.
Has the government successful in implemented this minimum wage policy? Began a year ago, the government has made statutory inspections for the implementation of minimum wage workers through the Department of Labour (JTK).
As at-to date, it is estimated that about 3.4 million local and foreigner workers have enjoy the benefit of this minimum wage policy. However, there are also many employers that have failed to implement this salary for their employees.
As of 30 April 2014, the number statutory inspections conducted by the Labour Department was 11,123. Of these, 2% that is 250 employers, found did not implement the minimum wage.
Even though this 2% is small amount, I believe the number is far greater depths if the Labour Department conducts regular and thorough inspections.
The government should take all measures to ensure that all employers in our country implement the minimum wage policy so as not to oppress the workers. Decisive actions should be taken against employers who try to cheat or fail to comply this minimum wage law.