{
  "id": 15123737,
  "title": "Experts call for transparent monitoring of graduate starting salary guidelines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/experts-call-for-transparent-monitoring-of-graduate-starting-salary",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T05:13:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1557399/experts-call-transparent-monitoring-graduate-starting-salary-guidelines"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Economic analyst Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff has called for transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms for the implementation of Malaysia's Starting Basic Salary Guidelines based on the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations (Masco). Without clear enforcement mechanisms, employers could disregard the guidelines without facing legal consequences, leaving graduates unable to challenge low salary offers. Razman suggested setting a starting salary of RM2,500 would not guarantee equity unless job duties, skill levels, and responsibilities were accurately assessed, and job classifications under Masco must be reviewed based on actual duties, not merely job titles stated in employment contracts. The government must also clearly define basic salary and allowances to prevent employers from including bonuses, overtime, or variable payments to obscure actual salary rates.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Salary Guidelines Require Transparent Monitoring, Enforcement - Analysts",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/general-salary-guidelines-require-transparent-monitoring-enforcement",
        "published": "2026-10-17T02:32:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}