PMKS berkemampuan digalak tawar gaji kompetitif

The Malaysian government has exempted Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (PMKS) from the new minimum wage increase for now, aiming to preserve the survival of approximately 1.3 million PMKS across the nation, according to Samenta President William Ng. Ng emphasized that offering competitive salaries is crucial for attracting top talent and building loyal, dedicated workforce. The move helps maintain the competitiveness of businesses for the long term.

Previously, Malaysian Small Business and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim announced the exemption for PMKS for the time being. The decision was approved by the Cabinet after considering the increased operational costs and economic challenges faced by such enterprises. Ng explained that the government's decision seeks to maintain the survival of around 1.3 million PMKS, especially during the heightened operational costs, shrinking profit margins, and global economic uncertainties.

However, Ng stressed that the wage increase should be based on generating value and improving productivity, in line with the government's focus on the Progressive Wage Model. Samenta fully supports the government's strategic focus on the Progressive Wage Model as the best approach forward. "By supporting productivity growth at the firm and worker levels, economic prosperity can be more equitably shared between employers and employees," Ng added.

He further suggested that the government should work closely with industry associations to provide targeted and practical training modules for PMKS to help boost productivity. Ng also urged the government to continue addressing the structural overhead costs, including compliance costs, labor cost burden, logistics, and utilities, while expanding access to affordable working capital for PMKS.