Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed hope that private companies will emulate Khazanah Nasional Bhd which pays its workers a minimum wage of RM3,000.

Anwar, who is also the Khazanah chairperson, lauded the sovereign wealth fund for the initiative.

“I would like to express the highest of congratulations to Khazanah Nasional because this is one body that has set a minimum wage of RM3,000 and more for each worker in the Khazanah Nasional family,” he said.

He was speaking at Khazanah’s 30th anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur this evening.

Last month, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) urged the government not to delay announcing a new minimum wage for the private sector.

The last time the government reviewed the minimum wage was in May 2022, during former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s tenure.

Ismail’s administration at the time increased the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,500 for private sector companies with five or more employees.

MTUC deputy president Matkar Siwang highlighted that the debate over the matter has intensified following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of a salary increase for civil servants.

Matkar referred to studies conducted by Bank Negara Malaysia, the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) that suggest an appropriate salary would be above RM2,000.

On May 16, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said Unicef’s proposed RM2,102 monthly minimum wage would be studied.

Employers need to be compelled by law to review wages, unionist says

Employers need to be compelled by law to review wages, unionist says

Ministers welcome civil service pay hike

Ministers welcome civil service pay hike

Don't delay new minimum wage hike for private sector, govt told

Don't delay new minimum wage hike for private sector, govt told

Unicef’s minimum wage proposal being studied - Rafizi

Unicef’s minimum wage proposal being studied - Rafizi