Malaysia introduces minimum wage for the first time
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Malaysia has introduced a minimum wage for the first time in a move to support low income households and amid speculation that the government may call elections soon.
Private sector workers in peninsular Malaysia will receive a minimum salary of 900 ringgit ($297; £183) a month.
Workers in the states of Sabah and Sarawak will get 800 ringgit.
Malaysia, South East Asia’s third-largest economy, has set a target to achieve rich nation status by 2020.
“The introduction of the minimum wage is a historic moment for Malaysia,” said Prime Minister Najib Razak.
“The lowest-paid will now be guaranteed an income that lifts them out of poverty and helps ensure that they can meet the rising cost of living.”
