Gaji minimum RM2,000 wujudkan pekerja ‘2 darjat’, dakwa Hamzah

Perdana Menteri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM2,000 minimum wage starting June 2027 during the 2027 Budget speech. Hamzah Zainudin, the Opposition Leader, argues that this new minimum wage will create a two-tier workforce, except for small, medium, and simple companies (PMKS). He explained that companies with sales below RM50 million will not have to pay the RM2,000 minimum wage, while PMKS workers will continue to earn RM1,700.

Hamzah expressed concern about the 300-ringgit gap in wages, which could push PMKS workers to move to larger companies offering higher pay, putting small businesses at a disadvantage. He questioned the reduction of a one percent income tax on PMKS companies, as he believes it will not aid these businesses. Hamzah called for the government to equalize the minimum wage across all workers and to provide assistance or transition incentives for struggling employers.

He proposed creating a PMKS Incentive Fund through the Social Security Organization (Perkeso) to help small businesses increase wages as productivity grows. Hamzah suggested this assistance should only be given to employers who raise wages, provide training, and invest in automation. He stated that such a mechanism could be implemented based on the experience of the Perkeso's Wage Subsidy Program, which helped maintain millions of jobs during the pandemic.

Finally, Hamzah proposed a one percent corporate tax reduction for three years for companies, excluding PMKS, that raise wages to the new minimum level.