'RM900 won't improve our lives drastically'

PETALING JAYA: While the government's RM900 minimum wage for private sector workers was well-received by some, others felt the new ruling would not impact their current earnings significantly.

The new rate, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Monday, is required to be implemented by all businesses within a year.

Some praised the move, claiming it would prevent local employers from exploiting
their workers.

However, Chong Fok Hong, who has been working with a camera shop in Section 14 here for the past five years, felt RM900 was inadequate.

"Here, we already earn a RM950 basic salary, excluding commissions we make from our sales," the 41-year-old told The Malay Mail.

"I'm sure many employers out there will have no trouble implementing the minimum wage, but I feel it won't improve things for the majority of workers."

Muhd Nabil Zulkifli, 23, who works for a food supply business in Sungai Buloh, felt that the amount set would be more ideal for people living in rural areas rather than those in the city.

"I already make over RM2,000 monthly. The ruling won't affect me but I don't think this change will be worth it for others, as RM900 is too low," he said.

Shahul Hameed, 38, who owns three mamak restaurants here and has 75 workers, said the minimum wage should range between RM1,000 and RM1,200 at least.

"I pay each worker an average of RM1,000 because it's tiring work; they each work 12-hour shifts and have to stand all the time serving customers," he said.

Ang Ah Wah, who co-owns a watch shop with her husband, was unsure as to whether all businesses would be able to implement the ruling within a year, considering the current state of the economy.

"RM900 doesn't even match the average amount many employees earn, which is around RM1,000 monthly," said the 56-year-old, adding that they also earn commissions from their sales.