Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government’s proposed progressive wage policy would be voluntary, incentive-based and productivity-linked. He added that the policy can be a catalyst for the labour market and a means to improve salaries consistently and ensure a fairer distribution of wages. Datuk Seri Anwar said this in a statement after a National Economic Action Council (NEAC) meeting.
“The next step is to hold discussions with stakeholders, especially industry players, businesses and workers,” he said. After engagements with stakeholders, the matter will be brought to the Cabinet for further deliberation on its gradual implementation and the funds needed for incentives. Datuk Seri Anwar added that preliminary engagement sessions and reviews revealed that 62% of workers and 80% of companies are in favour of the proposed progressive wage policy, along with its specified features. “NEAC hopes that this policy will receive the support and participation of as many companies and workers as possible,” he said.
