Kathmandu: The Malaysian government has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers, raising it from 1,500 to 1,700 Malaysian Ringgit per month. This decision was revealed during the 2025 budget speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Starting from August 1, 2025, this new minimum wage will apply to employers with fewer than five workers. Prime Minister Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the income issues of its citizens, stating, “For economic restructuring to be deemed successful, citizens must receive sufficient wages and compensation to ease their lives.”
The increase to 1,700 Ringgit will officially take effect on February 1, 2025. Prior to implementation, the Ministry of Human Resources will publish wage guidelines for all sectors, which may result in a slight delay in the enforcement of the new salary.
Since March 19, 2022, the minimum wage in Malaysia has been set at 1,500 Ringgit, while the starting salary for industrial and technical workers was already around 2,300 Ringgit.