By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Sept 21 — Selangor should be a pioneer in the defence of workers, even as the public struggles with rising living costs, said Kota Damansara state assemblyman Shatiri Mansor.
He said he is confident the state government is able to implement the RM1,600 minimum wage, which he proposed during the tabling of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
"If this is not possible at first with private companies, we can try by starting off in companies linked to the state government.
"I am certain we are capable of doing it, and Selangor ought to spearhead the defense of the plight of workers, particularly in light of increasing living costs," Shatiri said.
He was speaking on the talk show programme broadcasted on Media Selangor's Facebook page and the SelangorTV YouTube page yesterday.
During the recent debate of the Selangor State Legislative Council, Shatiri suggested that RS-1 is able to increase the minimum wage rate to RM1,600.
He added this is a necessity, after examining the issue of living costs which is a burden to employees and the people as a whole.
However, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari stated determining the salary rate for Selangor workers should also take into account their employing company's fiscal position.
As such, the state government cannot simply declare the implementation of populist policies amid concerns they could have long-term impacts, especially in the financial sense.
