Tuesday, March 31, 2015

MALAYSIA:::As GST kicks in, call to rescue Malaysia from low-wage rut

As wage earners brace for higher spending under the goods and services tax (GST) that takes effect on Wednesday, they will feel the brunt of decades of Malaysia's economic policies which have kept wages low and local industries uncompetitive.
Low wages have not helped the government improve its revenue, as only 1.7 million Malaysians pay income tax out of a workforce of 12 million, and Putrajaya is seeking to increase earnings with the broad-based consumption tax.
But low wages are the legacy of Malaysia's industrialisation policy, which has long focused on making the country a low-cost, low value manufacturing hub.

MALAYSIA::Special body to manage intake of foreign workers

It will coordinate intake, registration, monitoring and enforcement of foreign workers.
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KUALA LUMPUR: The government will set up a special body to manage intake of foreign workers, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Cabinet made a decision to form the special body to coordinate intake, registration, monitoring and enforcement of foreign workers here.
He said currently, matters related to the intake of foreign workers involved 11 ministries and agencies.