MTUC pushes for RM3,100 living wage as minimum base
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) is pushing for a new minimum wage of RM3,100 to help workers combat inflation and rising living costs. The union argues that current wages are stagnant and is calling for a structured salary progression framework.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between labor unions and employers regarding wage floors and economic sustainability in Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has urged the government to establish a new minimum wage of RM3,100 per month as a "living wage" benchmark, rejecting arguments against increasing the wage floor.
In a statement on Sunday (Aug 23), MTUC secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor stated that the review of the minimum wage is timely and necessary to help workers cope with the rising cost of living, inflation, and increasing costs for food, housing, and transportation.
Kamarul Baharin criticised claims that a wage review should not automatically result in an increase, calling such views an insult to lower-income workers whose salaries remain stagnant at the minimum rate due to a lack of voluntary pay raises from employers.
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