The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has announced that the Minimum Wage Order 2024 will be fully enforced beginning 1 August 2025, setting the minimum monthly wage at RM1,700 for all eligible employees in Malaysia. The new wage structure, which was first introduced in 2024, will now be implemented across all sectors and regions.

Breakdown of minimum wage rates

Depending on the number of working days per week, the new daily wage is calculated as follows:

• RM65.38/day for employees working 6 days a week
• RM78.46/day for those working 5 days a week
• RM98.08/day for employees working 4 days a week

The hourly minimum wage is now set at RM8.72/hour, ensuring better compensation for part-time and shift-based workers.

Wage protection extended to apprentices under new wage law

Under the new amendment, apprenticeship contracts, where employers commit to systematically train individuals in a specific trade over a period of 6 to 24 months, are now required to comply with national minimum wage laws. This updated can protect and welfare for all categories of workers.

The policy is especially relevant to employers hiring workers under structured training programs and trade skill development schemes. It ensures that trainees contributing productive labor are compensated fairly in accordance with national wage standards.

Employers may face fines if fail to comply of wage laws

The ministry reminded employers that they must not lower wages for workers currently earning above the statutory minimum in response to the changes. Employers who fail to comply may face fines of up to RM10,000 per affected worker, as enforced by labor authorities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

For more information and wage calculators, the public is encouraged to visit the official portal mykesuma.com.my.

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