'Foreign workers to enjoy same minimum wage as locals'

Submitted by Najiah on Monday, February 14th, 2011
Bernama
Monday, February 14th, 2011 21:22:00

PUTRAJAYA: Foreign workers may enjoy a minimum wage salary scale just like local workers if the private sectors minimum wage model is implemented, said Human Resource Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam.

Subramaniam said the current wage scale for foreign workers was determined by market forces and expected to continue until the government decides on the minimum wage implementation.

"Any request to implement the minimum wage system now cannot be entertained before the implementation because Malaysia does not have a structured minimum wage model for local workers," he told reporters after closing a minimum wage laboratory to gather feedback from all stakeholders, here today.

Subramaniam who was asked to comment on Indonesian media reports that requested the Malaysian government to set a minimum wage scale for Indonesian maids said: "When there is no minimum wage structure for local workers, the government cannot allow a minimum wage request for foreign workers."

He added that the only sector that offers a similar wage scale for local workers and foreign workers was the plantation sector.

Asked why it was taking the government such a long time to decide on the minimum wage scheme, Subramaniam said it was a major policy issue that needed an in-depth study before any decision was made.

"We have gathered feedback and data from various government agencies. We now have a complete picture of the various sectors involved and details that can be used by the government to decide.

"The salient points from the discussions during the lab will go towards the drafting of the regulations governing the National Wage Consultative Council, which will be tabled in Parliament," he said.

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/63744-foreign-workers-enjoy-same-minimum-wage-locals