Sunday, March 04, 2012

Minimum wage for Malaysian workers soon?


The government has reached an agreement with the private sector on the minimum wage issue. Hooray! Good news for all workers, or is it? We do have to wait for the full disclosure of the details before we can really rejoice at the news. Does this mean that the current spell of one off aid to those below a certain salary will be discontinued? The funds being allocated for schemes such as BR1M could be better used to improve the network of reasonably priced goods sold nationwide.

That would be ideal as the minimum wage should take into account the different hardships faced by those living in urban areas where the cost of living is much higher. The basic needs of food and shelter will always take a big chunk of one's take home pay. If that portion of the monthly expenses could be managed prudently with prices within each family's means, there would be more surplus to save for a rainy day.

All workers especially those struggling in urban areas would definitely benefit from a comprehensive minimum wage policy. We have to wait for the details to find out whether it is really a boon or bane.

Image from hawaiibusiness

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