The government will expand minimum wage coverage to include graduates and semi-skilled workers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) today.
He said this includes those who have completed technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs under the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations (MASCO) Codes 8 and 9, which cover plant and machine operators and assemblers, as well as elementary occupations, respectively.
“This effort aims to ensure that wages are commensurate with workers’ qualifications and skills,” he said when tabling the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The new minimum wage of RM 1,700 will come into full effect tomorrow. The figure was raised from RM1,500.
Anwar also said the e-MASCO portal will be enhanced to serve as a more transparent and responsive instrument for monitoring wages.
“The government is also committed to expanding social protection for workers through the Non-Occupational Accident Scheme, which will provide comprehensive social insurance coverage, including outside working hours.
“Gig economy workers will also not be excluded from access to social protection through legislation under the Digital Economy Framework,” he said.
In addition, Anwar said the government aims to reduce the share of foreign workers from 15% to 10% by 2030, with stricter enforcement of the multi-tier levy system to encourage employers to adopt automation and hire more local workers.
