EVEN if the minimum wage were raised by RM200, it would still not be enough to offset the high cost of living, said the Congress of Union of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president.

Azih Muda said it was understood that the Pakatan Harapan manifesto stated that the minimum wage would gradually be raised to RM1,500. 

“This year the minimum wage is RM1,050 and it was raised by RM50. But even if you raise it by RM150 or RM200, it still won’t be enough (for the workers) with the high cost of living,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng had said the government was cognisant of the need for a living wage in a climate of rising costs. 

He said that as a first step, the minimum wage was raised to RM1,100 per month West and East Malaysia starting January 1.

Azih said he hoped the government would also raise the minumum wage for the public sector. 

“This raise is for the private sector across the country. We hope they will also look into the public sector.”

Azih said the government should consider raising the minimum wage again when the economy improved.

“This also depends on the employers, and if businesses is good they can do it.

“Of course we all want high pay but we have to also look at the economy.”

Azih said the special payment of RM500 for civil servants announced in the Budget was welcome. – November 2, 2018.