{
  "id": 1831754,
  "title": "YOURSAY | Rakyat want smarter wages, taxes to ease cost squeeze",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/yoursay-rakyat-want-smarter-wages-taxes-to-ease-cost-squeeze-1831754",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-08-19T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malaysiakini",
    "slug": "malaysiakini-malaysiaki",
    "url": "https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/782495"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Rakyat are calling for smarter wage policies and tax measures to ease the cost squeeze, according to Malaysiakini. The government is reviewing the RM1,700 minimum wage, and there is a push for a more structured approach that takes into account regional cost-of-living differences. Some suggest introducing a mandatory cost of living allowance (Cola) that is based on the locality where an employee lives and works, rather than implementing a uniform increase across the board. This would provide a more rational and targeted approach, potentially easing the financial burden on small businesses while ensuring employees receive appropriate financial support.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "YOURSAY | Rakyat want smarter wages, taxes to ease cost squeeze",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/yoursay-rakyat-want-smarter-wages-taxes-to-ease-cost-squeeze",
        "published": "2026-08-19T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}