PUTRAJAYA must ensure all employers comply with the new RM1,500 minimum wage policy so employees are fairly compensated, said M. Kula Segaran.

The Ipoh Barat MP was addressing the lack of compliance among employers due to the lack of enforcement by the government on the matter.

“Many workers are currently being denied the new minimum wage. The non-compliance is so obvious.

“Putrajaya must go all out to enforce the new minimum wage policy and step in if employers blame ‘contractual obligations’ for not increasing the salaries.”

The ex-human resources minister said many workers are still being paid the old minimum wage of RM1,200, and questioned whether any exemption is being given.

“Are all employers compelled to pay the RM1,500 minimum wage or is there any exemption?

“What are the criteria used if any exemption is given and how many employers are exempted?

“Will a name list be provided so the public will know which employers are exempted?”

Kula asked what the Human Resources Ministry is doing about the matter as minimum wage was revised to RM1,500 from May 1.

While the government provides subsidies to low-income groups, they cannot substitute a decent minimum wage, he added.

He said the current minimum wage is still not enough for subsistence in the city.

Putrajaya should look into Singapore’s Progressive Wage Model, he added, where the republic cultivates a drive to increase worker wages via upskilling and improving productivity.

According to 2018 Bank Negara Malaysia data, a single adult needs RM2,700 to afford an acceptable standard of living in Kuala Lumpur.

For a couple without a child, the figure is RM4,500, and for a couple with two children, the figure is RM6,500. – June 6, 2022.