RM2,500 minimum pay may deter bosses from hiring fresh grads, says group

According to Miri Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber chairman Hafidz Rohani, a proposed minimum monthly salary of RM2,500 for graduates and semi-skilled workers may discourage employers from hiring inexperienced job seekers. Hafidz emphasized that fresh graduates typically enter the workforce with limited practical experience, and if businesses had to pay higher starting salaries without corresponding productivity gains or adequate training, they might prefer to hire experienced workers who can contribute immediately.

He urged the government to consult employers to better understand the challenges businesses may face in hiring inexperienced workers. Hafidz stressed that while higher wages are desirable, the potential impact on hiring decisions should be considered. He suggested a more flexible approach that takes into account job requirements, workers' experience, and employers' capacity to provide training and career development opportunities.

The government aims to ensure workers receive wages commensurate with their qualifications and skills, but Hafidz noted that the proposed salary increase needed to be clarified and applied to all companies or specific categories of employers.