PMKS berkemampuan digalak tawar gaji kompetitif

Malaysia's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) have been granted a reprieve from the new minimum wage increase, in a move aimed at preserving the survival of approximately 1.3 million PMKS nationwide, according to Samenta president William Ng. Despite the government's approval of the exemption, Ng emphasized that the decision seeks to maintain the survival of around 1.3 million PMKS, especially during the current economic challenges such as rising operational costs, shrinking profit margins, and global economic uncertainty.

However, Ng stressed that any wage increase must be based on value creation and productivity enhancement, in line with the government's focus on the Progressive Wage Model. Ng also recommended that the government work closely with industry associations to provide targeted and practical training modules for PMKS to boost productivity.

The government is currently reviewing the minimum wage of RM1,700, with the final decision on whether to maintain or increase the rate to be made by the National Wage and Gig Forum. The review considers factors such as poverty line income, median wages, consumer price index, labor productivity, and unemployment rates. The RM1,700 minimum wage has been in effect since August 2025 and applies to all workers in Malaysia, except domestic helpers and apprentices.