The case for a Good Jobs Task Force
MALAYSIANS are better educated, more digitally connected and entering a far more technologically advanced economy. Yet many young Malaysians do not feel that progress when looking at salaries, housing costs, daily expenses and career prospects.
Malaysia has seen significant advancements in education, digital connectivity and technology. However, many young Malaysians struggle to grasp the benefits of this progress. For my generation, a pressing question emerges: will we fare better than our parents did at our age? Department of Statistics Malaysia data from 2025 indicates that nearly two-thirds of Malaysian employees earn RM2,223 or less per month, while the median wage stands at RM2,940.
A wage gap exists, with skilled workers earning RM5,057 monthly, semi-skilled workers RM2,223, and low-skilled workers RM1,758. Research from the PNB Research Institute highlights that real wage growth has been stagnant for 25 years, and the wage premium for higher education has diminished. The institute suggests that economic and productivity growth alone do not guarantee better compensation.
Malaysia lacks sufficient "good jobs" – positions offering decent wages, skill development, career advancement, and economic security. The institute argues that Malaysia cannot solely rely on productivity gains for improved worker compensation. While Malaysia needs a competitive economy that draws long-term investment and pays adequately for skills, growth has not adequately addressed this issue.
My generation may face a technological transformation that reduces demand for certain types of labor. The challenge is to ensure that technology enhances our workforce's value rather than merely reducing the workforce required. To address this, we should set targeted wage-growth goals for key sectors like advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital services, AI, and other high-value industries.
Success should be evaluated based on wage improvements, skills development, and career opportunities, not just job creation. A "Good Jobs Task Force" comprising government agencies, industry representatives, and skills providers could identify sectors with the potential for stronger wage growth, tackle obstacles to higher-value employment, and monitor measurable outcomes.
Investment incentives should prioritize companies that develop Malaysian talent, boost productivity, and create better-paying jobs. Our success should be measured not only by the economy's growth but also by the wage and opportunity growth experienced by Malaysians.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
