PUTRAJAYA, June 23 — The Human Resources Ministry has urged employees earning below the RM1,700 minimum wage to lodge a complaint with the Labour Department (JTK).
It said all parties are required to comply with minimum wage regulations to protect the welfare and rights of workers in the country and warned that legal action would be taken against any violation of the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732).
Referring to a media report alleging tour bus drivers were only receiving a basic salary of RM700 a month without fixed allowances, the ministry explained that under the Minimum Wages Order (PGM) 2024, which is in force, employers are required to ensure workers receive a minimum wage of RM1,700 per month, regardless of whether it is a basic salary structure or total monthly earnings.
“If the employer stipulates a basic salary in the contract of service, the rate must not be less than the prevailing minimum wage.
“If the contract does not state a basic salary, the employer must ensure the monthly wage paid is no less than the prevailing minimum wage, excluding other allowances. PGM 2024 also applies to part-time workers,” it said in a statement today.
The MOHR said the JTK will step up monitoring and enforcement on complaints or wage deduction violations that contravene the PGM.
If a worker’s complaint is upheld in court, the employer may be ordered to pay the wage difference and any affected allowances, in accordance with Section 44 of Act 732.
A news portal on June 21 reported that express and tour bus drivers were earning as little as a RM700 basic pay per month, with some without any base pay.
The situation reportedly forced them to rely on travel allowances and overtime just to make ends meet, sacrificing rest days and working nearly daily.
— Bernama
