Analysis: M’sian workers need more clout to demand better pay, conditions

This Labour Day, employees voiced out their pressing concerns about the rising cost of living and labour shortage as the world continues to recover from the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malaysia has already been having issues with stagnant wages before the pandemic but the rising inflation without any significant increase in wages means the people’s earnings have lost their spending power. Inflation is currently at 3.4 percent.

Although Malaysia increased the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,500 a month beginning May 1, 2022, its implementation has been slow going. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim...