PETALING JAYA: Construction company Gamuda Bhd has pledged to increase the minimum wage of its foreign workers as well as the entry-level pay for graduates.

       It said the group would increase the minimum wage from RM1,200 to RM1,600 for foreign workers effective May 1 this year.

       “In line with our commitment to make changes for the better and to mitigate against worsening social inequity, Gamuda has decided that it is timely to revise our internal minimum wage policy for our workforce across the group,” it said in a statement yesterday.

       Gamuda also underlined the group’s “long-standing policy” to provide accommodation to its foreign workers at centralised labour quarters (CLQs) at no cost to them.

       “Our CLQs have standard design specifications to ensure that the company’s workforce is housed comfortably and safely.

       “These foreign workers have access to amenities that include communal kitchens, laundry, sundry shops and medical facilities as well as recreational facilities like futsal courts where space permits.

       “We are convinced through our experience over the years that providing comfortable accommodation and a conducive living environment for our workers translate to improved morale and productivity at the workplace,” Gamuda added.

       It also said it would be increasing the entry-level pay for fresh graduates joining the company – from RM3,300 to RM3,500 for engineers and from RM3,000 to RM3,200 for non-engineering graduates.

       “We have reviewed these levels to ensure that our entry-level offers are competitive and within the top quartile of our industry to enable our group to continuously attract and develop the necessary talent for our business growth,” it said.