Kuala lumpur: The government's ongoing review of the Minimum Wages Order 2024 is crucial to determine whether current wage rates remain relevant to the circumstances and needs of workers in the country. Union Network International - Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal emphasized the importance of this review to ensure that wages reflect the current cost of living and safeguard workers' welfare and their ability to enjoy a decent standard of living.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamed Shafie highlighted that the issue of wages is not merely about figures on a payslip, but more importantly, it is about purchasing power to meet a family's basic needs. He stated that wage rates must be re-evaluated periodically in line with changes in the cost of living to safeguard workers' welfare. Workers are among the main pillars that contribute to the growth and development of the country's economy, and their welfare must be considered in the formation of labor market policies.

Mohamed Shafie underscored the necessity for workers to not be placed in a situation where their wages are barely sufficient to meet basic needs, leaving little or no financial capacity for savings, their children's education, or unexpected emergencies. He expressed that true worker welfare is not about luxury, but the ability to lead a decent life through the fruits of one's own hard work.

However, Mohamed Shafie stressed that reviewing the minimum wage does not automatically mean that the wage will be increased, but it provides an opportunity for the government, employers, and workers to assess the suitability of the current rate fairly and equitably. UNI-MLC also expressed its readiness to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the national wage policy remains responsive to economic realities and the needs of workers.