KOTA KINABALU: The implementation of the minimum wage policy effective July 1 could increase the income of local workers and indirectly boost the country’s economy towards attaining a high-income developed nation status.
Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Richard Riot said the minimum wage policy implemented through a balanced approach between employers and workers would also reduce the dependence of Malaysia on foreign workers.
“It (minimum wage policy) can reduce the rate of poverty in Sabah now at four per cent,” he said at a ceremony in conjunction with the 2016 Career Carnival and Convoy programme here yesterday.
His text of speech was read by Human Resources Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Adenan Abdul Rahman.
Also present were state Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid and Sabah Labour Department director Kamal Pardi.
Speaking to reporters later, Adenan said the implementation of the minimum wage policy had been accepted by all parties as there were in-depth discussions held between the government, employers and workers.
He said all parties were given sufficient notice before the policy was implemented.
“Enforcement will be conducted by Sabah Labour Department and appropriate actions would be taken to ensure the employers complied with the policy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Career Carnival and Convoy which began today offered 8,809 employment vacancies in various sectors to Sabahans.
The programme which would tour seven districts in the state starting with Kota Kinabalu and ending on Aug 6 in Beaufort, was participated by 195 employers as well as 34 supervisors from the private sector. — Bernama