MALAYSIA:::RM1,200 minimum wage still being discussed

The issue is linked to the implementation of GST.

KUCHING: The Human Resources Ministry is still in talks with the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) regarding its request to raise the minimum wage for workers to RM1,200 per month from RM800 in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan and RM900 in Peninsular Malaysia.

Its minister  said that the application for a minimum wage of RM1,200 per month was made by MTUC during the national level Labour Day celebration recently.

“The ministry understands the problems faced by the people due to the increasing cost of living, but without the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), it (asking for RM1,200) probably will not help,” he said during a programme in Serian over the weekend to introduce the local community to the benefits of GST.

On the average, people living in rural areas will not be affected by the implementation of the GST, said Richard, but it will create a level playing field as “many in the taxable bracket do not fulfil their responsibilities”.

source:::http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com