RM2,000 minimum wage decision rests with Budget 2027, says Akmal

KLUANG: Any decision on a possible increase in the minimum wage to RM2,000 should be left to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement when tabling Budget 2027, says Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

He said the impact of any adjustment, particularly on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), would also need to be taken into consideration to ensure employers could sustain higher operating costs.

"We are taking into account several segments and how implementation can be balanced so that we can continue to look after our workers while ensuring the sustainability of employers, particularly small businesses and MSMEs,” he told reporters after visiting the Kluang District Police Headquarters (IPD) quarters here on Monday (Sept 28).

Akmal Nasrullah said this when asked to comment on economists’ views that raising the minimum wage to RM2,000 could lead to higher prices for goods and services.