PUTRAJAYA: The minimum wage for workers in the private sector is currently being reviewed and the government is expected to make an announcement on the matter by August this year.
In saying this, Human Resources Minister M. Kulagesaran said the new minimum wage will be announced pending approval from the cabinet.
He said the National Wages Consultative Council (MPGN) will hold a meeting on June 13 (Wednesday) to review the minimum wage and other relevant issues.
"After that, the Human Resources Ministry will prepare a cabinet memorandum for a decision to be made by the government," he told reporters after attending a gathering with his staff here today.
He said the National Wages Consultative Technical Committee (JTPGN) has completed its review of the minimum wage as stipulated under the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732).
"I was informed that JTPGN is ready to present recommendations for the new minimum wage rates to MPGN, a tripartite body that will discuss and present the recommendations to the cabinet," he said.
On a separate matter, he said the government is ready to consider suggestions for 1.2 million housewives to be given social security coverage although they are not working.
However, he said the mechanism for its implementation would first be studied to decide whether it is feasible in Malaysia.
He said the United Kingdom, for example, was a country that provided a social security net for unemployed citizens.
He also said the Human Resources Ministry would focus on resolving outstanding cases in the Industrial Court.
"We will also improve the country's social security coverage for housewives and couples, reduce our reliance on foreign workers and increase awareness on worker rights under labour laws.
"I have instructed the enforcement teams at all agencies in this ministry to regularly conduct checks at business premises to ensure that labour laws are adhered to," he said.