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

Economic experts argue that implementing a different minimum wage rate for industries and locations rather than a uniform rate for all workers should be considered. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, the President of the Economic Association of Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd, stated that taking into account the differences in wages structure between industries and locations is essential. He suggested that diverse minimum wage rates for different industries and locations could be taken into account.

Former DAP Financial Minister, Lim Guan Eng, also commented on the issue, emphasizing the importance of not linking the increase in minimum wage to foreign workers. He argued that this step is necessary for protecting the interests of the people and local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as foreign workers are employed based on contract agreements concluded between employers and employees.

However, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) opposes the proposal to exempt foreign workers from the minimum wage increase, considering it discriminatory. K Veeriah, a secretary of MTUC Pulau Pinang, stated that foreign workers should not be treated as second-class workers solely to protect the interests of employers. He pointed out that Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution states that everyone is equal before the law and entitled to equal protection.

He argued that efforts to safeguard interests of employers seem to seek to keep workers trapped in a never-ending cycle of low wages to enable employers to benefit continuously.

Veeriah also mentioned that the Federal Court in the Ahmad Zahri Mirza Abdul Hamid v AIMS Cyberjaya Sdn Bhd case took into account the principle of equality between local and foreign workers. He explained that Section 69F of the Labor Act 1955 empowers the chief labor officer to investigate and decide disputes related to discrimination in employment.

Veeriah concluded that anyone with a rational mind would not dispute that workers performing the same job should be paid the same wage. He emphasized that granting the same wage for equal work should not be compromised, as it would undermine the foundations of equality, fairness, and just service towards workers, whether foreign or Malaysian citizens.