05/02/2025

WEDNESDAY | FEB 5, 2025

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Call for wage framework based on skills, qualifications

Education reform agenda moving forward at all levels PUTRAJAYA: The Education Reform Agenda planned by the Education Ministry is progressing at all levels to ensure the nation’s education system remains relevant and capable of addressing current challenges effectively. This agenda focuses on six key areas: digitalisation; language; literacy; science, technology, engineering and mathematics; technical and vocational education and training; and preschool education. “This year, the ministry is focusing on a new education development plan to replace the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 as well as preparing for the school curriculum of 2027. “The Generasi Madani ( GenMadani ) programme is also being implemented in schools as a platform to foster unity and build the character of a civilised, ethical and integrity-driven Malaysian nation,” according to a statement by the ministry . The statement was issued in response to the Royal Address by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, at the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday. In the address, His Majesty said the government’s efforts to implement reforms in education, technical and vocational training, and youth development would produce a more skilled future generation. The King also expressed support for initiatives to strengthen family values and community well-being. – Bernama Former army chief appointed UPNM vice-chancellor PUTRAJAYA: Former Malaysian Armed Forces chief of staff Lt-Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), effective Jan 30. The Higher Education Ministry said Arman Rumaizi earned a master’s degree in social science (defence studies) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2012. Throughout his distinguished military career, he has held several key positions, including assistant chief of staff of personnel services and commander of the second division of the Malaysian infantry. He also served as a military adviser to the former defence minister from 2014 to 2018. “With his extensive experience and strong leadership reputation, we are confident that Lt-Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi will play a pivotal role in leading and strengthening UPNM’s governance,”said the ministry. – Bernama

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o MTUC president urges establishment of structured pay scale policy to prevent skilled workers being underrated

with varying skill levels receive similar pay. “Wage compression could discourage workers from pursuing higher education or acquiring more skills, so I wish to emphasise the need for additional incentives, such as government-subsidised training programmes to help workers upgrade their skills and move into higher-paying roles. “Employers must also establish career progression pathways that include salary increments for those who gain additional skills or qualifications. Performance-based wage systems should be introduced to reward workers who acquire them,” he said. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia human resources and development lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah said while the minimum wage increase is a positive move to help workers cope with the rising cost of living, companies must adapt to changes. “From the company’s perspective, the new policy will increase salary costs, so businesses may adjust employment contracts or explore alternatives such as hiring contract workers or outsourcing non-core roles like security or transport.” However, he stressed that despite these adjustments, employee welfare must remain the priority and as employees are the backbone of any company their well-being should always come first, regardless of salary changes. The increase in the minimum monthly wage to RM1,700, up from RM1,500, took effect on Feb 1, benefiting a total of 4.37 million workers following official implementation of the minimum wage order. For businesses with fewer than five employees, the new rate will take effect on Aug 1, allowing time for necessary adjustments in wage structures and operations. Employers must also comply with the new order to ensure their workers receive at least RM1,700 per month. Non-compliance is an offence under the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 (Act 732) and may result in penalties.

PETALING Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani has called for a policy that differentiates salaries based on qualifications, skills and job roles rather than the minimum wage. “Malaysia should have a wage classification framework to ensure employers compensate workers according to their qualifications and expertise. “A structured wage scale would prevent the undervaluation of skilled workers and ensure that people are paid fairly for the work they do,” he said. Mohd Effendy was commenting on the recent increase in Malaysia’s minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700, which he welcomed as a positive step to support low-waged workers. However, he said the new minimum wage should not be considered fair pay for all workers JAYA:

system that recognises higher education so skilled employees are not placed under the minimum wage category, as this would discourage young people from upskilling. He also said with the rise in the minimum salary, strict enforcement is critical to ensure employers adhere to the new law. “Laws without teeth are merely empty documents, so we need to ensure that every worker receives his rightful wages. Hence, MTUC calls on the Labour Department to act against employers who fail to comply with the new wage rule.” While the wage increase has many benefits, such as boosting consumer spending, he warned that the policy may result in wage compression, where workers

but merely serve as a basic safety net for those with limited education. “People with higher qualifications and specialised skills, workers with secondary school qualifications and those with skills certificates or diplomas should earn more than the minimum wage and be paid according to their technical expertise. “Similarly, bachelor’s degree holders and professionals such as engineers should receive significantly higher salaries to reflect their knowledge and contributions to industry,” he said. Mohd Effendy urged the government and employers to create a fair and structured wage

Mohd Effendy urged the government and employers to create a fair and structured wage system that recognises higher education so that skilled employees are not placed under the minimum wage category. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Govt, Opposition urged to unite in curbing online slander, incitement KUALA LUMPUR: The government and Opposition have been urged to work together to find effective methods to curb the increasingly rampant culture of slander and incitement online and on social media. culture, which has caused confusion, hostility and division among the people. Lee stressed that Malaysia, as a multiracial and multireligious country, must instil the value of mutual respect to prevent division. “Mutual respect is crucial in our multiracial and multireligious for Malaysia’s unity and prosperity. “We must learn from history to ensure such incidents do not happen again. True unity can only be achieved by embracing the principles of the Rukun Negara in our daily lives.”

national unity. “The government must take a firm stance on this issue (culture of online slander) and proactively provide accurate and reliable information. “The Opposition must also align with this effort. They must take responsibility in curbing this issue for the sake of our country’s peace,” he said when contacted by Bernama. His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, in his Royal Address at the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday, expressed concern over this

Noor Nirwandy added that aside from the government, the public must also play a role by refraining from spreading slander and incitement as legal action would surely follow. Meanwhile, Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye welcomed the King’s call to put an end to the culture of slander and incitement on social media to safeguard national unity.

country. We must honour each other’s cultures, beliefs and values. Using social media to slander others is not part of Malaysian way of life,” he said. He emphasised the importance of learning from historical events such as the May 13 tragedy, underscoring that fostering harmony is essential

Lee also urged the government to enforce existing laws and consider new legislation if necessary to tackle hate speech more effectively. At the same time, he encouraged the younger generation to be wiser and more selective in their use of social media.

Universiti Teknologi Mara fellow of psychological operations at the centre for media and information warfare studies Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin believes both sides must collaborate and seek the best solution as slander and incitement, if left unchecked, could threaten