KUCHING, February 9 — The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) Sarawak has called on workers to report any employers who fail to comply with the new Minimum Wage Order, which took effect on February 1. MTUC Sarawak chairman Zaidi Nasar emphasized that the RM1,700 minimum wage applies strictly to basic wages and excludes allowances or commissions.
Employers with five or more workers, as well as those engaged in professional activities regardless of workforce size, must adhere to the new rate, while smaller employers have until August 1 to comply. Zaidi warned that employers cannot legally pay less than the minimum wage, even with employee consent, and urged workers to report violations to the Labour Department.
He also highlighted that the wage increase aims to ease financial pressures amid rising living costs. While advocating for fair wages, he encouraged employees to improve their productivity and foster positive relationships with their employers. Workers needing assistance can contact MTUC Sarawak via email at [email protected].
