Some workers have reported that their benefits have been cut by their employers after the new minimum wage was implemented.

An economist has suggested that Malaysia should adopt an hourly-based minimum wage rate, saying it is much better for both employers and workers.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan said the RM1,500 monthly minimum wage is specifically for the fundamental wage and doesn’t include allowances and overtime pay.

709 former workers of a company in Kemaman who were retrenched in 2014 will finally receive RM8.8 million in compensation.

An economist said the government should not subsidise the RM1,500 minimum wage for SMEs that are unable to pay the sum as it will stifle productivity.

HR Minister Datuk Seri M Saravanan said the government will implement the new RM1,500 minimum monthly wage on May 1 nationwide regardless of the situation.

Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri M Saravanan said some employment sectors will be given flexibility when the RM1,500 minimum wage rate law comes into effect on May 1

PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the new minimum wage of RM1,500 will take effect on May 1. The increase will only involve private sector companies with five employees or more.

Human Resources Minister M. Saravanan said that the revised minimum wage will be announced soon. He also said the implementation of the new minimum wage would be done in stages.

Aeon Co and Aeon BiG have increased the minimum wage for their Grade G employees from RM1,200 per month to RM1,500 starting Jan 1, 2022.