Malaysian government increases minimum wage to 1,700 ringgit

Kathmandu, October 19 — The Malaysian government has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers. Effective February 1, 2025, the minimum wage will be raised to 1,700 Malaysian Ringgit, up from the current 1,500 Ringgit.

In his New Year budget speech, Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that employers with fewer than five workers will be required to pay their employees a minimum wage of 1,700 Ringgit starting February 1, 2025.

Emphasizing the government's commitment to prioritizing the income of the populace, Prime Minister Ibrahim noted that the success of economic restructuring is contingent upon citizens receiving adequate salaries and remuneration to enhance their quality of life.

Prior to the implementation of the new wage, the Ministry of Human Resources will prepare a wage directive applicable across all sectors, which may cause a slight delay in the enforcement of the new salary. Following this decision, Malaysia's Human Resources Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, issued a statement indicating that the minimum wage for skilled workers should not be viewed as an entry-level salary.

The determined minimum wage is aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of low-income workers. He mentioned that his ministry will publish an initial wage directive based on the Malaysian Standard Classification of Occupations (MASCO) for all job sectors.

Additionally, the ministry aims to ensure wage increases for workers based on their skills and performance, and will implement various high-skill training initiatives for workers as part of this effort.