PUTRAJAYA: The decision to raise the minimum wage to RM1,500 a month is aimed at encouraging greater participation in the local employment market, says Datuk Seri M. Saravanan (pic).

       The Human Resources Minister said the market is seen to have become more challenging and the minimum wage increase could help attract more people to seek employment.

       “The decision to increase the minimum wage is done after a comprehensive study and review had been conducted, with the involvement of stakeholders and parties,” he said in his Labour Day message on Sunday (May 1).

       The RM1,500 minimum wage policy takes effect on May 1.

       The implementation of the new minimum wage rate was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in March.

       ALSO READ: RM1,500 minimum wage policy comes into effect May 1, says PM

       Saravanan said that specific legislation is being mulled to monitor and protect workers in the gig economy.

       He said there were currently about four million Malaysians involved in the gig economy compared with 500,000 during pre-pandemic days.

       “We are concerned about the needs of gig workers, their status as workers.

       “We will be looking into whether there is a need to draw up legislation specifically to oversee and protect workers in the gig economy,” he said.

       ALSO READ: Low wages may push more people to gig economy, govt revising minimum wage

       Saravanan said that the Working for Workers digital app which was launched last year had received 15,313 complaints as of April 17.

       “From complaints received, we have acted on 14,907 cases. With the help of labour offices located close to the workplaces of the complainants, complaints were dealt with quickly,” he said.

       The Working for Workers app is available to 15.7 million workers, including foreign workers, to submit complaints related to labour issues.

       To optimise the use of the application, it will be further improved where translation in 14 languages will be made available soon.

       ALSO READ: Bosses won't let you WFH? Write 'em up with govt's Working for Workers app

       Saravanan said his ministry had also worked with the International Labour Organisation to launch a National Action Plan on Forced Labour 2021-2025.

       “This action plan is our commitment to ensure the issue of forced labour is being tackled collectively and effectively to protect Malaysia’s image and reputation,” he said.

       In March, Malaysia ratified the ILO, known as Protocol 29.

       Saravan said the ministry would continue to ensure the wellbeing and welfare of workers - who are pillars of national development - remain protected.