{
  "id": 14936503,
  "title": "RM2,000 minimum wage backed by economic data, nationwide consultations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/rm2-000-minimum-wage-backed-by-economic-data-nationwide-consultations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T10:51:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1556945/rm2000-minimum-wage-backed-economic-data-nationwide-consultations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "PUTRAJAYA - National Wages Consultative Council chairman Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman revealed that the proposed RM2,000 minimum wage is not an arbitrary figure, but rather the result of thorough economic research and nationwide consultations with employers, workers, and academics. To ensure the proposed rate is fair to workers while remaining manageable for employers, the council conducted 21 engagement sessions across the country and commissioned a comprehensive study. Supported by a government budget ranging from RM1 million to RM1.5 million, the study analyzed various economic indicators such as the poverty line income, median wages, price indices, labour growth, and GDP. Zainal emphasized that the council does not use figures arbitrarily, stating that the rate is based on studies conducted by academics and consultants and is deemed appropriate and reasonable. The council also compared Malaysia's wage levels with those of other nations before making its recommendations. Based on the median wages and other economic indicators, the study projected a wage range of approximately RM1,970 to over RM2,100. However, the council had to consider the interests of both workers and employers when recommending a rate. They held consultations with employers, workers, and trade unions, and had five specialists, including university lecturers in economics, assist in the analysis. Zainal acknowledged that implementing a new minimum wage could pose challenges, recalling difficulties when Malaysia first introduced its minimum wage of RM900. In the 2027 Budget, the government announced that the national minimum wage would rise from RM1,700 to RM2,000 a month starting in June of the following year. However, micro, small, and medium enterprises with annual sales below RM50 million will be exempt from the increase to provide them with time to adjust.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA: The proposed RM2,000 minimum wage was determined through economic research and extensive consultations with employers, workers and academics, rather than an arbitrary decision, National Wages Consultative Council chairman Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman said.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}