THE government is mulling a proposal to increase minimum wage to help low- and middle-income earners cope with the rising cost of living.

Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said this is one of the long-term plans drawn up under the National Cost of Living Action Council to ensure that the people’s well-being is taken care of.

“This is among the proposals that we think will help the people, in addition to other short-term plans, such as the 1Malaysia People’s Aid and Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat programme, which offers daily necessities at below-market prices.

“Other long-term proposals include creating more employment and business opportunities for the people to help them generate extra income,” he told reporters after officiating at the Pulai parliamentary constituency-level Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat programme in Johor Baru today.

The last time minimum wage was reviewed was in 2016. The rate in Peninsular Malaysia was increased from RM900 to RM1,000 per month, while for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, RM800 to RM920 per month. – Bernama, March 11, 2018.