Malaysian employers are ready to bargain for higher wages

Photo for illustration purposes only. – 123RF

SHAH ALAM – Employers in Malaysia are ready to offer higher salaries to workers with experience and expertise, especially in the fields of technology, engineering and other professional services to compete in the global market.

Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said the situation depended on economic factors, industry needs and the company’s ability to offer higher wages.

He said if there was a high demand for certain expertise, employers needed to be prepared to pay higher wages in order to attract qualified employees to contribute existing expertise.

“Employers need to provide interesting and challenging job opportunities for the Malaysian diaspora including innovative projects, great responsibility and room for career growth.

“Employers’ willingness to provide employment opportunities with higher wages can also be influenced by other factors such as labour market needs, industry competition and business strategies.

“Efforts to address the issue of brain drain and encourage brain circulation are important so that employers in Malaysia are able to consider the added value brought by employees and provide suitable incentives to attract them back,” he told Sinar.

Previously, it was estimated that 66.7 per cent of Malaysians working in Singapore received between SGD$1,500 (RM5,330) and SGD$3,599 (RM12,780) per month.

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said 18.5 per cent received salaries between SGD$3,600 (RM12,800) and SGD$9,999 (RM35,530) a month.

Commenting further, Effendy said by developing a professional development programme that supported continuous learning, it can increase career growth in the country.

He explained that through the cooperation of universities or higher education institutions, graduates can gain work experience while building relationships with local talents who have backgrounds from various sectors or industries.

“Employers can offer opportunities to the Malaysian diaspora to be involved in projects that have a great impact on the development of the country.

“This action can create an enticing environment and allow employees to contribute to the development of the country,” he said.