Minimum Wage Increase Under Ismail Sabri: PSM

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Post on Oct 21, 2024

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Minimum Wage Increase Under Ismail Sabri: PSM Says "Not Enough!"

The minimum wage is going up, but is it enough? That's the question many Malaysians are asking after the recent announcement by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. While the increase is a step in the right direction, the Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) argues it's simply not enough to meet the rising cost of living.

Let's dive into the specifics. The new minimum wage, effective from February 1, 2023, will be RM1,500 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM1,200 for Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. This is a RM300 increase from the previous minimum wage of RM1,200 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM1,100 in the other regions.

So, what's the problem? The PSM argues that the increase doesn't keep up with inflation and the actual cost of living. They point out that the cost of basic necessities like food, transportation, and housing has skyrocketed in recent years. In their view, RM1,500 is simply not enough to live a decent life in Malaysia, especially in major cities.

The PSM isn't the only one sounding the alarm. Many economists and social activists agree that the increase is not enough to significantly improve the lives of minimum wage earners. They say that the government should consider a more substantial increase, especially for those living in urban areas where the cost of living is higher.

The government's response? They've defended the increase, arguing that it's a fair compromise between economic growth and worker welfare. They've also highlighted the impact on businesses, saying that a higher minimum wage could lead to job losses and lower productivity.

The debate is likely to continue, with both sides making their points. It's crucial to remember the human impact of the minimum wage. While some argue for an increase, others are concerned about the potential effects on businesses. The real question is: what is a fair and sustainable minimum wage that ensures both economic growth and a decent standard of living for all Malaysians?

In the end, the decision lies with the government. Hopefully, they'll consider all viewpoints and make a decision that benefits everyone.