{
  "id": 14416545,
  "title": "Guna model Singapura bela pekerja tempatan, kata Wee",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/guna-model-singapura-bela-pekerja-tempatan-kata-wee-14416545",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T08:55:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/10/14/guna-model-singapura-bela-pekerja-tempatan-kata-wee"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) proposed that the Malaysian government adopt Singapore's model of adjusting wages and the quota for foreign workers. The aim is to enable the domestic market to differentiate wages based on qualifications and skills, rather than solely relying on the minimum wage or employment dependency ratio ceiling. Wee believes that this approach could help increase the income of the Malaysian populace when implemented in the 2027 budget discussion. However, he expressed concern about a two-tier labor market, as small, medium, and simple enterprises (PMKS) earning less than RM50 million in annual sales would be exempted from this wage differentiation. Wee highlighted that this exemption, on paper, would not be sufficient to stop the flow of skilled labor, as they would likely move to larger companies with higher pay. The main concern for Wee is that skilled workers will inevitably migrate to companies capable of offering higher wages. Ultimately, PKS (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) may be forced to raise wages to retain employees, even if their profit margins are already thin. He cited data from Malaysia's Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) which showed that seven out of ten PMKS currently have less than six months of liquid cash reserves. Wee warned of the risk of business closures if labor costs, electricity bills, and taxes all increase simultaneously. Therefore, he urged the government to focus on wage increases based on improved productivity, not just administrative orders. He also suggested conducting a study on the impact of the National Wage Consultative Council and setting a deadline to lift the PMKS exemption at least 12 months in advance. Wee also proposed a surcharge on PTMS (Private Limited Companies) that invest in automation and training to increase wages.",
  "summary": "Ahli Parlimen Ayer Hitam seru kerajaan adaptasi model gaji dan kuota pekerja di negara jiran untuk kawal ambilan pekerja asing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Guna model Singapura bela pekerja tempatan, kata Wee",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/guna-model-singapura-bela-pekerja-tempatan-kata-wee",
        "published": "2026-10-14T08:55:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}