KOTA BHARU, Sept 29 – The Malaysian government has not yet finalized a decision on the new minimum wage rate, dismissing media speculation claiming figures such as RM2,000, RM2,100, or RM2,200, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan confirmed.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday following the Kelantan State Investiture Ceremony at Istana Balai Besar, Ramanan stressed that any official announcement will only come directly from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after Cabinet approval.
“I see parties out there eagerly clamouring to announce minimum wage rates of RM2,000, RM2,100, or RM2,200. Wait for the Prime Minister to make the announcement first, given that a decision has not yet been reached,” Ramanan stated.
The minister revealed that he has submitted the Cabinet memorandum regarding the proposed minimum wage adjustment for deliberation during an upcoming Cabinet meeting to obtain consensus and formal approval from the Prime Minister.
Comprehensive Impact Analysis & Inflation Concerns
Responding to calls from trade unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) proposing minimum wage hikes up to RM3,000 or RM4,000, Ramanan explained that setting national wage floors requires rigorous scientific formulas and comprehensive economic impact studies.
The decision-making process involves a technical panel of experts, including academics, who evaluate the broader economic implications before submitting formal recommendations to the administration.
“Even an increase of RM10 has an impact. Only after the study is conducted will a decision be reached on whether the minimum wage can be raised and by how much without adversely affecting the economy,” he noted.
Ramanan warned that wage adjustments must be carefully balanced against inflationary pressures to ensure that real purchasing power for workers is preserved without destabilizing the national economy.
“We also want to control inflation. If wages are raised significantly but inflation rises in tandem, what is the real difference? Therefore, all these matters must be handled correctly,” he added.
Details regarding the revised minimum wage floor are expected to be officially presented alongside the tabling of Budget 2027 on October 9.
–NMT
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