Gaji Graduan and Pekerja Separuh Mahir 2027: RM2,500 Starting Wage
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Malaysia plans to introduce a gaji pokok permulaan of RM2,500 a month for graduan and pekerja separuh mahir under Belanjawan 2027, with detailed guidelines expected in June 2027.
The latest development came on 28 October 2026, when Timbalan Menteri Sumber Manusia Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan explained that a proposed amendment to the Akta Majlis Perundingan Gaji Negara 2011 (Akta 732) would strengthen the mechanism for setting starting wages based on educational qualifications.
The proposed amendment aims to prevent majikan from changing job requirements or classifications to avoid paying the prescribed starting wage. It is also intended to provide a legal basis for making gaji minimum requirements for eligible graduan mandatory in the future.
Read the latest RTM report on Pindaan Akta 732.
The government has also announced an increase in the national gaji minimum from RM1,700 to RM2,000 a month, planned to take effect in June 2027. An exemption has been announced for eligible Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana (PMKS) with annual sales below RM50 million.
However, an important question remains for pencari kerja, employees, HR teams and business owners: Will all graduan and pekerja separuh mahir automatically qualify for gaji pokok permulaan of RM2,500?
The answer depends on the type of job, the employee's qualifications and the skills required. Kementerian Sumber Manusia (KESUMA) is preparing detailed guidelines to explain how the framework will apply.
Here are the main points to understand about the RM2,500 gaji pokok permulaan.
Gaji Pokok Permulaan RM2,500 Mulai 2027
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The RM2,500 gaji pokok permulaan is a framework announced by the government for eligible graduan and workers with recognised skills qualifications.
It aims to provide clearer starting-pay benchmarks based on job requirements, academic qualifications and practical skills.
However, RM2,500 will not automatically apply to everyone. Eligibility will depend on three main factors:
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Jenis Pekerjaan: The type of job and its responsibilities.
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Tahap Kelayakan: The employee's academic or skills qualifications.
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Kemahiran Pekerja: The skills required to perform the job.
Image source: ecentral.my
It is also important to understand the difference between the RM2,000 gaji minimum and the RM2,500 gaji pokok permulaan.
The RM2,000 rate is the announced national gaji minimum for covered employees, subject to the applicable rules and announced PMKS exemption. It is not a rate limited only to pekerja tidak mahir.
The RM2,500 framework is a separate starting-pay reference for eligible graduan and pekerja separuh mahir, based on the relevant job and qualification requirements.
According to the official e-MASCO guidance, gaji for the purposes of the starting-wage guidelines means gaji pokok, excluding elaun, insentif and other additional payments.
The exact application of the RM2,500 framework will depend on the official guidelines and occupational classifications being developed by the government.
For more information about the RM2,000 announcement, read AJobThing's Minimum Wage Malaysia 2027: RM2,000 From June and PMKS Exemption.
Image source: ecentral.my
Who Is Eligible for Gaji Pokok Permulaan RM2,500?
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The proposed starting-pay benchmarks for graduan cover occupations under MASCO Categories 1 to 3. These include management, professional, and technical or associate professional occupations.
The qualifications identified for this framework include:
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Ijazah Sarjana Muda and higher qualifications.
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Diploma.
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Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM) Tahap 5.
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Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) Tahap 4.
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Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) Tahap 3.
However, holding one of these qualifications does not automatically guarantee a gaji pokok permulaan of RM2,500.
The job must also match the relevant occupational classification and requirements in the official guidelines.
For example, a graduan with a diploma will need to check whether their job falls within the occupations covered by the framework. The qualification alone may not be enough to determine eligibility.
KESUMA is expected to provide more detailed information on the relevant occupations and starting-pay benchmarks through its official guidelines.
What About Pekerja Separuh Mahir?
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The proposed framework is not limited to graduan with university qualifications.
For pekerja separuh mahir, KESUMA is developing a Garis Panduan Gaji Pokok Permulaan Berasaskan Kemahiran.
This approach focuses on the practical skills required for different jobs rather than relying only on academic qualifications.
The groups identified in the proposed approach include:
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Pemegang SKM Tahap 1 (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Tahap 1).
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Pemegang SKM Tahap 2 (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia Tahap 2).
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Lulusan menengah or pasca menengah, such as SPM or STPM holders working in relevant fields, subject to the final criteria.
The framework is intended to provide a wider starting-pay reference across MASCO Categories 1 to 8.
This means the proposed approach is not restricted to pekerja kolar putih, such as professionals and executives. It is also intended to include relevant technical, operational and kolar biru occupations.
The aim is to provide salary references that recognise the practical skills required for different types of work.
The article's broader FAQ information also identifies workers with SKM Tahap 3 as part of the skills-based framework. The final eligibility requirements and salary benchmarks will depend on the official guidelines published by KESUMA.
What Is MASCO and Why Is It Important?
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MASCO stands for Piawaian Pengelasan Pekerjaan Malaysia. It is Malaysia's occupational classification system and will be used as a reference for preparing the gaji pokok permulaan guidelines.
MASCO helps classify jobs according to their responsibilities and the type of work involved.
Under the proposed framework:
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MASCO Categories 1–3: The proposed starting-pay reference for occupations involving graduan.
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MASCO Categories 4–8: A wider framework covering different occupational groups and skill levels, including relevant technical and operational jobs.
This classification helps provide clearer starting-pay references based on job type, qualifications and skills.
For employees, the relevant MASCO category may help determine whether their job falls within the proposed framework.
For HR teams and majikan, the classification will be important when checking job requirements and the applicable starting-pay benchmarks.
More information is available through the official e-MASCO portal.
Four Key Steps KESUMA Is Taking
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KESUMA is preparing several parts of the new gaji pokok permulaan framework.
1. Preparing the Gaji Pokok Permulaan Guidelines
KESUMA is preparing the official guidelines using the MASCO occupational classification system.
The guidelines are expected to explain the relevant job categories, qualification requirements and starting-pay benchmarks.
2. Setting Starting-Pay Benchmarks for Graduan
KESUMA is refining the salary benchmarks for graduan under MASCO Categories 1 to 3.
The work involves determining appropriate starting-pay references according to different academic qualifications and relevant job categories.
3. Preparing Guidelines for Pekerja Separuh Mahir
KESUMA is also developing the Garis Panduan Gaji Pokok Permulaan Berasaskan Kemahiran.
The proposed guidelines will consider the practical skills needed for different occupations and the relevant skill levels of pekerja separuh mahir.
4. Updating Salary Benchmarks Using DOSM Data
The proposed starting-pay benchmarks are expected to consider current labour-market conditions.
KESUMA is using information from Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) to review wage levels and help ensure the benchmarks remain relevant to the labour market and cost of living.
These steps are intended to help the framework be introduced in an organised, transparent and fair way for both pekerja and majikan.
When Will the RM2,500 Guidelines Be Available?
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KESUMA has indicated that the detailed gaji pokok permulaan guidelines are expected to be published in June 2027, alongside the planned implementation of the new Perintah Gaji Minimum.
The timing is intended to align with the announced increase in gaji minimum from RM1,700 to RM2,000 a month.
Once the guidelines are available, employees and employers should be able to check the relevant starting-pay benchmarks according to three main criteria:
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Jenis Pekerjaan: The type of job and its specific responsibilities.
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Tahap Kelayakan: Academic qualifications, such as diploma or ijazah.
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Tahap Kemahiran: Skills qualifications, such as SKM, DKM and DLKM.
The information is expected to be available through the official e-MASCO portal.
However, the publication of the guidelines and the legal enforcement of a mandatory RM2,500 rate are two separate matters.
The guidelines are expected in June 2027, but the government has not announced a formal commencement date for the proposed amendment to Akta 732. The legal status of any mandatory requirement will depend on the final rules and the relevant amendment being formally brought into force.
Until then, employees should not assume that they automatically qualify for RM2,500 simply because they hold a degree, diploma or skills certificate.
Majikan should refer to the official guidelines before determining how the framework applies to their employees.
Pindaan Akta 732: Why Does the Law Need to Change?
Setting gaji minimum according to educational qualifications requires a suitable legal framework. KESUMA has explained that changes to the existing law are needed to support the proposed approach.
The relevant legislation is the Akta Majlis Perundingan Gaji Negara 2011 (Akta 732).
The latest update on 28 October 2026 highlighted three main reasons for the proposed amendment.
Including Educational Qualifications in Wage Rules
The amendment aims to allow academic qualifications to be considered when setting gaji minimum requirements.
Making Gaji Minimum for Eligible Graduan Mandatory
The proposed changes are intended to provide a legal basis for enforcing gaji minimum requirements based on the qualifications of eligible graduan in the future.
Addressing Gaps in the Existing Law
The existing framework does not contain a specific provision for setting gaji minimum according to an employee's educational level. The proposed amendment is intended to address this issue.
It is also intended to prevent majikan from changing job requirements or classifications simply to avoid paying the prescribed starting wage.
When Will Pindaan Akta 732 Take Effect?
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The government has not announced the official commencement date for the proposed amendment.
The planned June 2027 publication of the gaji pokok permulaan guidelines should not be confused with the formal enforcement date of the amended law.
The guidelines and the legislative amendment are separate matters. The proposed RM2,500 rate will not automatically become a mandatory statutory requirement for every eligible employee solely because the guidelines are published.
For the official legal reference, read the Akta Majlis Perundingan Gaji Negara 2011 (Akta 732).
For more information about existing salary requirements in Malaysia, read AJobThing's Labour Law Malaysia: Salary Rules and Minimum Wage.
Further Information
For updates on the RM2,500 gaji pokok permulaan framework, employees, HR teams and majikan can refer to the following sources:
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Laman Web Rasmi KESUMA: Kementerian Sumber Manusia
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Facebook Kementerian Sumber Manusia: Follow KESUMA's official social media announcements.
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Portal e-MASCO: Occupational classification and wage guidance
The e-MASCO portal states that information relating to the new gaji pokok permulaan guidelines announced under Belanjawan 2027 is expected to be updated from June 2027.
These channels should be checked for the latest qualification requirements, occupational classifications, salary benchmarks and implementation details.
FAQs
Will all graduan with a degree or diploma automatically receive RM2,500 from June 2027?
No. The proposed gaji pokok permulaan depends on the type of job, qualifications and skills required. Having a degree or diploma alone does not automatically qualify someone for RM2,500.
What is the difference between RM2,000 and RM2,500?
RM2,000 is the announced national gaji minimum rate planned for June 2027, subject to the applicable requirements and announced PMKS exemption.
RM2,500 is the proposed gaji pokok permulaan framework for eligible graduan and pekerja separuh mahir who meet the relevant job, qualification and skills criteria.
Are pekerja separuh mahir and TVET graduates included?
Yes. KESUMA is developing a separate skills-based starting-pay guideline. The framework is intended to cover relevant workers with SKM qualifications, including Tahap 1, 2 and 3, as well as other relevant skills-based occupations across MASCO Categories 1 to 8. The final criteria will be confirmed in the official guidelines.
Can majikan be fined for not paying RM2,500 in June 2027?
The announcement alone does not make RM2,500 a mandatory statutory rate for every graduan or pekerja separuh mahir.
The proposed rate is being developed through guidelines first. Any future mandatory legal requirement will depend on the relevant amendment to Akta 732 being approved and formally brought into force, along with the applicable rules.
Majikan must continue to comply with the gaji minimum requirements that currently apply to them.
When will the RM2,500 guidelines be published?
KESUMA has indicated that the guidelines are expected to be published in June 2027, alongside the planned new gaji minimum arrangements.
Employees and majikan should check official announcements for the final eligibility requirements and implementation details.
Where can employees and majikan check their eligibility?
The e-MASCO portal is expected to provide relevant information about job classifications and starting-pay benchmarks. Employees and majikan should also follow official KESUMA announcements for updates.
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