Minimum Wage Hike, Special Aid For Civil Servants To Help The People

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 19 (Bernama) – The announcement of the increase in minimum wage to RM1,700, compared to the current rate of RM1,500 per month, will help improve the standard of living of private sector workers in the country.

Tourism company director Muhammad Ismail Sajiman, 39, described the news as a relief for the public, as it will help them navigate the challenging economic situation and make ends meet.

"I believe that the increase in the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 is very much needed. It is a smart and commendable move by the Madani government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"This move addresses the urgent needs of the public, especially those working in the private sector, in light of the current high cost of living. 

"The increase is necessary to ensure minimum wage earners can provide for their families," he told Bernama today.

Haslydia Azizan, 42, also welcomed the announcement, which she said could help ease some of the public’s concerns.

Haslydia, a teacher, said besides the minimum wage increase, the announcement of a special financial aid of RM500 for all civil servants in grade 56 and below, including contract appointees, is seen as a "gift" from the government.

However, she hopes that the government, through the relevant agencies, will monitor the prices of goods, which usually tend to rise after a salary hike is announced.

"Thank you PMX and the Madani government for granting RM500 bonus for civil servants in Feb next year and a salary increase in Dec 2024,” she said.

Commenting on the announcement of Forest City as a duty-free zone, she said it would boost the state’s economy and that of Malaysia in general, but the mechanism to address the cost of living is still unclear.

"The price of raw materials is expected to increase and all citizens will continue to feel the impact of rising prices. Therefore, I hope the government will not overlook this matter," said the mother of four.

Meanwhile, Johor Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Lee Ting Han when contacted said the government’s approval of Forest City as a Duty-Free Island is an important step in attracting investments and achieving long-term development in the area.

"The announcement is part of the ongoing efforts from the past year, when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the establishment of a Special Financial Zone (SFZ) in Forest City.

"This is crucial for attracting investments in sectors such as finance, tourism and real estate.

"The state government is also exploring the opportunity to position Forest City as a financial hub complementary to Singapore, by leveraging its strategic location to attract international investors," he stated.

--  BERNAMA