KESUMA Warns Employers Against Lowering Job Requirements

Employers may face restrictions on lowering job qualification requirements to avoid paying the prescribed starting wage for graduates if amendments to the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Akta 732) are implemented.

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the proposed amendments would include educational qualifications as a factor in setting minimum starting salaries for graduates.

The issue was raised in Parliament over concerns that employers might lower job requirements from a degree to a diploma or SPM qualification to avoid paying the prescribed starting wage.

The Majlis Perundingan Gaji Negara is updating the gaji pokok permulaan guidelines based on the Malaysian Standard Classification of Occupations (MASCO).

The guidelines are expected to be published alongside the new Minimum Wage Order, scheduled to take effect in June 2027. The framework includes a proposed starting wage of RM2,500 per month for graduates and pekerja separuh mahir, as announced in Belanjawan 2027.

What Employers and HR Should Know

For employers and HR teams, the proposed changes highlight the importance of reviewing job descriptions, qualification requirements and salary structures.

HR teams should ensure that job requirements reflect the actual responsibilities and skills needed for each role. Employers should also monitor the official guidelines and relevant legal amendments before making changes to hiring or salary policies.

Important: The proposed framework should not be treated as an automatically effective legal requirement before the relevant guidelines and legal changes are implemented.

FAQs

Can employers lower job qualifications to avoid paying the starting wage for graduates?

The proposed amendments to Akta 732 aim to prevent employers from arbitrarily downgrading job requirements based on employees’ educational qualifications to avoid paying the prescribed starting wage. The legal changes still need to be implemented.

When will the gaji pokok permulaan guidelines be introduced?

The guidelines are expected to be published alongside the new Minimum Wage Order, scheduled to take effect in June 2027.

What should employers and HR teams do now?

Employers and HR teams should review their job descriptions, qualification requirements and salary structures to ensure they reflect the actual needs of each role. They should also monitor official announcements on the guidelines and amendments to Akta 732.

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