By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, July 31— Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said large corporations, especially those earning billions of ringgit in profits, should provide their workers with living wages.
When tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar said the government will accelerate wage harmonisation efforts to ensure workers enjoy their fair share of the economy.
“The government encourages large companies, especially those raking in huge profits in the billions, to provide a living wage, as already practised by government-linked investment companies and government-linked companies,” he said, to MPs’ raucous applause.
As part of this push, Anwar also announced that the minimum wage policy will be expanded to include fresh graduates and semi-skilled workers, particularly technical and vocational education and training alumni categorised under the Malaysia Standard Classification of Occupations (Masco) Code 8 and above.
“This initiative is aimed at ensuring wages are compensated with workers’ qualifications and skill levels,” he said.
To support this, the National Wage Consultative Council will be strengthened, and the e-Masco portal will be enhanced as a transparent, responsive tool for tracking wage trends.
In addition to wage reform, Anwar said the government remains committed to expanding social protection coverage for Malaysian workers.
This includes the rollout of the Non-Work Related Accident Scheme, which will offer comprehensive social insurance protection beyond working hours.
Gig economy workers will also be included under a dedicated legal framework to be introduced through the National Digital Economy Action Plan.
The prime minister also reiterated Malaysia’s aim to reduce dependence on foreign labour, setting a target to lower the share of foreign workers from 15 per cent to 10 per cent by 2030.
“To support this, the multi-tier levy mechanism will be enforced more widely, encouraging employers to adopt automation, mechanisation and prioritise local workforce recruitment,” he said.
