KUALA LUMPUR – A decent living wage of RM3,100 a month could serve as a reference point for a revised minimum wage, taking into account rising living costs, inflation, food prices, housing, transportation and other essential expenses, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) said.
Its secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said the minimum wage structure should also be expanded to include middle-income workers to ensure salary growth corresponds with their skills, education and years of experience, Bernama reported.
He said a more comprehensive wage framework would help address skills mismatch, enable companies to attract quality talent and support improvements in productivity and overall wage growth.
Kamarul Baharin described Human Resources Minister Datuk R. Ramanan’s statement that the government was reviewing the minimum wage rate as a positive step for workers.
“Under the National Wages Consultative Act, the minimum wage rate must be reviewed once every two years. With only five months remaining, the announcement of the new rate needs to be made.
“Following the increase implemented in February 2025, the new rate should come into effect in February 2027. Any delay could place greater pressure on workers amid rising costs of goods,” he said.
He said some employees were still earning RM1,700 a month despite having 10 years of service due to the absence of a proper wage progression structure.
Kamarul Baharin added that MTUC was ready to work with the government through the National Wages Consultative Council (MPGN), providing input and views on the new minimum wage rate.
Last Tuesday, Ramanan said the minimum wage rate was being reviewed to determine whether the current RM1,700 monthly rate should be maintained or increased. – August 23, 2026