Gaji minimum: Belanjawan 2027 perlu pertimbang kemampuan PKS, kata persatuan majikan

Persatuan Majikan Perindustrian, Komersial dan Perkhidmatan Malaysia (Micsea) is urging the Malaysian government to carefully assess and implement a long-term increase in the minimum wage for 2027 in the Budget. The association warns that the sudden hike in minimum wages may pose challenges for micro and small businesses (PKS). According to Micsea President YK Lai, a RM300 increase in the basic salary is not just an additional RM300 cost for employers, as it also considers other costs.

For a company with 10 employees earning RM1,700 per month, a raise to RM1,900 would mean an additional RM24,000 annually in basic wages, while a raise to RM2,000 would mean an additional RM36,000 annually. Employers would also need to consider other costs such as KWSP contributions, which are currently set at 13% for those earning RM5,000 and below per month.

Micsea suggests that the combined costs of increased wages would rise. The association proposes that company associations, trade unions, PKS, industry associations, economic experts, and business representatives should be involved before any final decision is made. Micsea also calls for tripartite discussions through the National Wage Consultation Council (MPGN), touching upon topics like inflation, cost of living, employment, business sustainability, investment, and regional disparities, besides the wage rate itself.