According to Malaysian official news agency Bernama, a government committee is giving final touch in minimum wage hike proposal.“It is expected to hike minimum wage of migrant workers to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) 950 (Rs 24,346), according to the demand of trade unions,” the agency reported. Current, minimum wage stands at RM 546 (Rs 13,993).

 

Malaysia government has formed a committee to suggest minimum wage for migrant workers on September 15 following pressure from trade unions. The committee will submit its report by December end. “The new wage will be effective after the government endorses it early next year,” Bernama reported quoting its Ministry of Human Resource.

 

Nepali outsourcing agencies involved in sending workers to Malaysia have taken it as a positive step. “The proposal will increase salary of Nepali migrant workers by 42.52 per cent,” general secretary of Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies Kumud Khanal, said, adding that it will also increase remittance inflow from Malaysia. “The new salary will be about $300.”

 

According to him, increase in salary will attract hardworking Nepalis to the destination. In recent months, outsourcers have been facing difficulties to get workers, who are interested in joining Malaysian jobs due to lowest salary among other popular destinations.

 

In July, when the Gulf countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait were offering $200 (Rs 16,000), Malaysia was offering a minimum salary of $180 (Rs 14,400).