Economy Minister says RM2,000 minimum wage must protect workers and small firms

Economy Minister Akml Nasrullah Mohd Nasir told reporters in Kluang that the government’s proposal to lift the monthly minimum wage to RM2,000 must strike a balance between improving workers’ welfare and preserving the survival of micro, small and medium enterprises. He noted that officials are reviewing various sectors of the economy to gauge how the change would affect both employees and employers, especially small-business owners.

One outlet minimum wage stands at RM1,700, and the increase is part of the broader Decent Wage Agenda under the Madani administration. The official announcement will come from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 2027 Budget, scheduled for the first week of October. Akml urged the public to wait for the budget details before drawing conclusions about price impacts.