Beyond minimum wage, Malaysia needs clearer wage ladders tied to productivity, says Akmal Nasrullah

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 22 — Wage compression is hindering working Malaysians from receiving proper compensation despite the narrowing wage gap between low- and semi-skilled workers in Malaysia, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said today.

Citing a recent Bank Negara report, Akmal Nasrullah said the wage difference between low- and semi-skilled workers had narrowed from RM550 in 2016 to RM396 in 2024.

“This means the wage is moving (upwards) at the minimum wage level but comparatively, it is not progressing as well in the successive levels,” he said during the ministry’s monthly assembly at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) today.