RM2,000 minimum wage must balance workers’ welfare, SME survival, says Akmal
THE government will weigh workers’ welfare against the ability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to remain viable before deciding on a proposed increase in the minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,000 a month, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrulla...
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir announced the proposed increase in the minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,000 per month, balancing workers' welfare with the ability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to remain viable. The government aims to carefully consider the impact of this change on both workers and small business owners to ensure the implementation can support the workforce while safeguarding employers, particularly in the SME sector.
The proposed increase represents a 17.6% rise, despite labour productivity growth in the first quarter of 2026 only being between 4.3% and 4.8%. The final decision on the increase will be made public during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Budget 2027 announcement on October 9.
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