Kuala Lumpur: Productivity improvements can be achieved through upskilling programmes such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), mastery of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and the establishment of centres of excellence, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This is to ensure that individuals achieve an increase in income along with improved productivity, he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the significant role of companies investing in Malaysia, such as Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, and Infineon, in setting up centres of excellence for upskilling training, particularly in AI. He acknowledged the challenges associated with mastering AI, noting that despite clear policy directives, proficiency in AI remains limited.

Anwar responded to a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar), who inquired about the government’s strategy to enhance worker productivity in addition to raising wages to achieve the status of a high-income country. In response, Anwar highlighted the government’s decision to set the minimum wage at RM1,700, overcoming opposition from some parts of the private sector. Additionally, the government has introduced a Progressive Wage Policy for companies with commendable records, achievements, and high profits.

The Prime Minister stated that he and other ministers have engaged with profitable companies, including those in the plantation sector, to urge equitable wage distribution. He pointed out the disparity between productivity increases and wage growth, asserting that productivity has risen more than wages, and even low inflation can adversely impact workers if wages do not correspondingly rise.