MTUC's Sabah division calls for a minimum wage review

In Sabah, a review for minimum wage is long overdue. According to the Borneo Post Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), Sabah division is concerned by the recent statement of the Sabah Employers Association (SEA) that businesses must be ready for the revision in minimum wage in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

Catherine Jikunan, secretary of MTUC, said in a statement to Borneo Post: "The last revision shows that West Malaysian workers are paid a minimum amount of RM1,000 whereby for those in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are paid RM920 only. This should not happen because the cost of living in Sabah is much more expensive.”

She calls for the government to look into the issue to ensure a new minimum wage rate that is equal to rest of Malaysia.

"We want the new government to treat Sabahans as equal to the rest of the workers in Peninsular Malaysia," she said.

In its election manifesto, Pakatan Harapan has pledged to to set the minimum wage at RM1,500 across Peninsular, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.

ALSO READ: Sabah employers reminded to abide by wage guidelines

Meanwhile, the generosity and patriotism of Malaysians have made a deep impression on the Malaysia King, as said by Royal Palace Comptroller Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz, Channel News Asia reported on Tuesay (12 June).

Sultan Muhammad V, showed solidarity with the nation by offering to take a 10 per cent cut in salary throughout his reign until 2021.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan Ab Aziz added the king "was deeply touched and expressed his gratitude to Malaysians who have generously contributed to the recently established Tabung Harapan Malaysia."

On top of that, he mentions that the Royal Palace has decreed to use the budget allocated to the annual Aidilfitri open house to help the less privileged instead.

ALSO READ: Dr Mahathir: Malaysia’s cabinet ministers to take a 10% pay cut

The Tabung Harapan Malaysia, aimed to assist in the country's insurmountable debt, has reached just little over RM61 million.

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