Gaji minimum tak perlu satu kadar untuk semua, kata ahli ekonomi

Economists argue that the key is accounting for the disparity in wage structures between industries and locations, rather than setting a single standard for all workers, says Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, President of the Economists' Society at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd. He suggests considering different minimum wage rates for industries and locations.

Lim Guan Eng, a former finance minister and DAP advisor, claims that imposing a uniform minimum wage is crucial to safeguarding the interests of local businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), because foreign labor is hired based on contract agreements and workers' commitments. However, the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) opposes excluding foreign workers from the minimum wage increase, arguing it constitutes discrimination.

K Veeriah, MTUC Pulau Pinang secretary, contends that foreign workers should not be treated as second-class workers merely to protect employers' interests. He cites Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which states that all individuals are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection. He adds that the Federal Court case, Ahmad Zahri Mirza Abdul Hamid v AIMS Cyberjaya Sdn Bhd, also upheld the principle of sameness between local and foreign workers.

Section 69F of the Labor Act 1955 empowers the director-general of manpower to investigate and adjudicate disputes related to discrimination in employment. Veeriah asserts that a rational person would not argue that those performing the same work should be paid differently. Equal pay for equal work should not be compromised because it undermines the principles of sameness, fairness, and just treatment of workers, whether foreign or Malaysian.

On September 27, MTUC urged the government to raise the minimum wage to RM3,100 in the 2027 budget, citing that workers' wages have not kept pace with increased productivity and company profits.