Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged employees earning less than the RM1,700 minimum wage to promptly lodge a complaint with the Department of Labour (JTK). It said all parties are required to comply with minimum wage regulations to protect the welfare and rights of workers in the country and warned that legal action would be taken against any violation of the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a media report alleged that tour bus drivers were only receiving a basic salary of RM700 a month without fixed allowances. The ministry clarified that under the Minimum Wages Order (PGM) 2024, which is currently in force, employers must ensure workers receive a minimum wage of RM1,700 per month. This requirement applies regardless of whether wages are structured as a basic salary or through total monthly earnings.

The ministry emphasized that if a basic salary is stipulated in a contract of service, it must not be less than the prevailing minimum wage. In cases where the contract does not state a basic salary, employers must ensure that the monthly wage paid meets the minimum wage standard, excluding other allowances. It was also noted that PGM 2024 applies to part-time workers.

KESUMA stated that JTK will enhance monitoring and enforcement actions on complaints or wage deduction violations that contravene the PGM. If a worker’s complaint is upheld in court, employers may be ordered to pay the wage difference and any affected allowances, in accordance with Section 44 of Act 732.

A report from a news portal on June 21 highlighted that express and tour bus drivers were earning as little as RM700 in basic salary per month, with some not receiving any base pay at all. This situation has reportedly forced them to depend on travel allowances and overtime to make ends meet, often sacrificing rest days and working nearly every day.