The Govt Wants To Increase Minimum Wage Of Malaysian Skilled Workers To RM3,500

The government has proposed to increase the minimum wage of Malaysian skilled workers from RM1,200 to RM3,500, which is the amount that foreign skilled workers earn.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that we shouldn't deny our own people from higher wages, as reported by The Star.

Raising the minimum wage could attract more Malaysians to contribute to various sectors.

At the moment, the number of skilled workers make up only 28 per cent of the workforce here compared to 43 per cent benchmark in developed nations.

The government's ultimate target is to increase the minimum wage to RM5,000 by 2030, you know, the year we aim to become a developed country.

Malaysia needs to achieve more skilled workers by 2030.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also added that skilled workers who are experienced should be given opportunities to obtain proper paper qualifications. For example, giving them a chance to continue their studies in a technical college or university.

"With the combination of experience and paper qualification, a skilled workers will be highly recognised in the market," he told the New Straits Times.

On Thursday, the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education Training) Malaysia Expo 2018 was launched. The council helps to promote and empower skilled workers in Malaysia as well as help graduates to improve their marketability in their respective fields.

Last year, 90 per cent out of 13,000 TVET students reportedly managed to secure jobs even before graduation. This proved that Malaysia needs more skilled and technical workers.

We certainly hope that the minimum wage will be increased for real soon!