18/04/2025

FRIDAY | APR 18, 2025

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Degree holders lament incommensurate wages

Roadshow on prevention of labour exploitation KUANTAN: The Roadshow and Seminar on Prevention of Labour Exploitation: Towards Zero Forced Labour 2030 in the East Coast Zone attracted nearly 300 employers in support of efforts to eliminate forced labour and exploitation. Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department director-general Kamal Pardi said the two-day programme, which began on Wednesday, aimed to raise awareness and improve compliance with worker rights and international labour standards. “The roadshow convoy, comprising 20 vehicles, started at the Setia Perkasa Complex in Putrajaya, with the involvement of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants unit, Social Security Organisation, Immigration Department and the Employees Provident Fund,” he told a press conference after launching the programme here yesterday. He said the programme featured seminars and covered topics such as forced labour, its indicators and the issues faced by SD Guthrie Berhad and Felda Plantation Management Sdn Bhd concerning the Withhold Release Order and foreign worker recruitment. The Labour Department set up a booth on the prevention of labour exploitation at the Temerloh Rest and Recreation area and Tunas Manja Mall in Kuantan, operating from 10am to 5pm throughout the programme. Kamal said the roadshow would be expanded to the northern zone of Peninsular Malaysia, starting with Perak, Kedah and Perlis next month. “The programme will take place at the end of May, with Perlis as our final destination, where we will focus on raising awareness on job scams. Last year, we carried out this programme in Negeri Sembilan and Johor.” – Bernama SPM results out on April 24 PUTRAJAYA: The results of the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination will be announced on April 24, according to the Education Ministry. It announced that 402,956 candidates registered for the test, which was held at 3,337 examination centres nationwide. “School candidates can obtain their results at their schools starting at 10am. “For private candidates, the results will be sent by post or they can contact the state Education Department where they registered to sit for the examination to get their results.” All candidates can also check their results online at myresultspm.moe.gov.my from 10am on April 24 until 6pm on April 30. Checks can be made via SMS to 15888 within the same period by keying in “SPM” followed by the MyKad number and candidate number. – Bernama

o Most graduates earning starting pay of below RM3,000 per month: MEF

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians with higher education qualifications say their wages fall short of expectations, with salaries lagging behind industry norms and the cost of living. The average salary for degree holders varies depending on factors such as industry, job role and experience. According to global job platform Indeed, new graduates in Selangor earn an average of RM2,783 per month. Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman told theSun that while graduates often expect their academic credentials to translate into higher pay, most degree holders still start out earning below RM3,000 a month. In its 2024 salary survey, MEF found that degree holders earn an average basic salary of RM2,703, with gross income averaging RM2,971. However, these figures do not always reflect the true state of the job market. “We acknowledge growing concern that graduates, particularly in oversupplied fields such as arts, social sciences and general business, are increasingly underpaid and undervalued, especially in industries such as retail, hospitality and traditional manufacturing,” said Syed Hussain.

Syed Hussain said relevant work experience, education and industry exposure remain the most effective route to long-term career success and income growth. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

labour market and deter job creation in the private sector, potentially leading to automation, outsourcing or hiring freezes, which would worsen youth unemployment, currently at 10.1%.” He urged a shift in mindset, focusing on performance, skill relevance and business value instead of relying solely on academic credentials. He said salaries are typically determined by industry benchmarks, company budgets and regional norms, although these factors may not align with an individual’s self-perception. “Even highly qualified employees may be paid within a fixed salary range if that is what the role commands.” public and internal stakeholders. “We learnt from that mistake how to respond more effectively to the media and to discern which ones are not worth engaging. “What matters most is that the public receives clear information and a proper understanding of the issues at hand.” In her speech, Zaliha called on the Federal Territories Department to consider establishing a dedicated governance and integrity task force for all federal territories. She also emphasised the importance of each division and agency conducting self-audits of their existing SOP and work processes to identify areas for continuous improvement. – Bernama

“However, in tech and startup environments, MEF has observed that skills often outweigh academic background, with some self-taught professionals earning more than degree holders.” Syed Hussain acknowledged public frustration over wages falling behind the cost of living but urged caution over blanket salary hikes. He said wage increases must be tied to productivity growth rather than inflation alone, warning that indiscriminate adjustments could harm businesses, especially MSMEs, which make up 98% of Malaysia’s registered firms. “MEF advocates a combination of performance-based pay,

wages due to their qualifications, many employers, especially MSMEs, face financial constraints that limit what they can offer. “Some companies, especially in low-margin sectors, simply cannot afford to pay more without jeopardising their operations. “In an oversaturated job market, employers often have the upper hand in setting lower salary offers due to the abundance of job seekers.” He added that relevant work experience, education and industry exposure remain the most effective route to long-term career success and income growth. While formal qualifications could open doors, hands-on experience often plays a bigger role in driving salary progression. His speech was delivered by MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman. Officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the seminar was attended by about 200 personnel from the department. Azam Baki said every government department must have clear systems in place, particularly in matters involving the public. “In enforcement matters, continuous monitoring of personnel, such as tracking signs of excessive or lavish lifestyles, should be carried out by department heads. “When incidents occur, the government is often blamed. It is important to recognise that such

According to MEF, a mix of structural and market-driven factors explains why some companies offer salaries below the national average for degree holders. Syed Hussain said while graduates may hope for higher Govt departments urged to review outdated laws “In contrast, sectors such as healthcare, finance and engineering still require formal certifications, so higher qualifications typically lead to better pay. upskilling and stronger government support through targeted subsidies and tax incentives to reduce financial pressure on employers and workers. “Setting a mandatory wage floor for graduates could distort the MEF advised graduates to develop industry-relevant skills and shift towards high-demand sectors offering better pay and long-term career stability.

PUTRAJAYA: Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki urged all government departments to review outdated or obsolete laws and propose suitable amendments that reflect current needs. He said law reform is a key agenda that must be taken seriously to prevent negative public perceptions towards government agencies. “Any outdated or unclear SOP should be improved or amended to align with current demands of society and expectations of relevant stakeholders,” he said in a speech at the Federal Territories Department’s Seminar on Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Strengthening Module yesterday. Malaysian

perceptions could arise when certain agencies lack effective oversight and proper management systems. “At MACC, we have clear SOP for matters such as arrests, detention and lockup processes. There are specific guidelines that outline who should be detained, the procedures for doing so and even the protocol for when detainees are required to wear the orange uniform.” He said response to the media must be prompt and accurate to ensure the public receives reliable information. He cited the case of witness Teoh Beng Hock’s death and noted that at the time, MACC media management lacked experience and efficiency, which led to the failure of accurate information reaching the