Malaysia weighs raising minimum wage to RM2,000
Summary
Malaysia is weighing a rise in the monthly minimum wage to RM2,000 ahead of Budget 2027, with the government balancing worker demands against higher costs for small businesses. Any increase would directly affect about 400,000 Nepali workers in Malaysia, who are currently covered by the RM1,700 wage floor.
Key Points
- Malaysia is considering raising its monthly minimum wage from RM1,700 to RM2,000, with a final decision expected in Budget 2027.
- Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government must balance support for workers with the survival of small businesses and MSMEs.
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim linked the possible increase to the upcoming budget and said workers should share in company profit growth.
- A higher minimum wage would directly benefit Nepali migrant workers in Malaysia, including about 400,000 Nepalis working in the country.
