KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) today welcomed the federal government’s decision to raise the national minimum wage to RM2,000 while exempting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with annual sales of less than RM50 million.
The new rate, effective June 2027, was announced earlier by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2027.
MEF senior adviser for government, media and international engagement Datuk Syed Hussain Syed Husman said a balanced approach was essential to ensure efforts to improve workers’ welfare did not inadvertently undermine business viability, discourage hiring or put existing jobs at risk.
“Providing employers until June 2027 is a sensible step that gives businesses the time to plan, adapt and prepare for implementation while minimising disruption to employment and business operations.
