PUTRAJAYA, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged employees earning less than the RM1,700 minimum wage to promptly lodge a complaint with the Department of Labour (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 that 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 currently in force, employers are required to ensure that workers receive a minimum wage of RM1,700 per month, regardless of whether this is through 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 that the monthly wage paid is not less than the prevailing minimum wage, excluding other allowances. PGM 2024 also applies to part-time workers,” it said in a statement today.
KESUMA said JTK will step up monitoring and enforcement action 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 RM700 in basic salary per month, with some not receiving any base pay at all.
The situation has reportedly forced them to rely on travel allowances and overtime just to make ends meet, sacrificing rest days and working nearly every day.
-- BERNAMA
