PM slams big companies making huge profits but pay low wages

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to negotiate with large private companies to increase wages in line with productivity levels, according to his administration. Speaking at a Universiti Teknologi Mara alumni gathering, Anwar, who also serves as the finance minister, expressed discontent with certain major firms maintaining low wages despite substantial profit margins. He noted that while productivity in Malaysia continues to rise, worker wages have remained persistently low.

Anwar emphasized that threatening legal action to compel wage increases is not a viable solution, as it could lead to companies relocating operations to other countries. Instead, he advocated for constructive negotiations with businesses. The 2027 budget, according to Anwar, will feature measures to raise wages for private sector workers. He believes that promoting the Bumiputera agenda can be aligned with social justice initiatives, without compromising the welfare and security of non-Bumiputera citizens.